Retrofitting Existing Facilities with New Press Pits
Are you overseeing an industrial or commercial facility?
Considering new press pits for retrofitting?
Specialized concrete contractors can help companies like yours modernize production by bringing older buildings up to today’s operating standards.
In this article, we break down the most common challenges and, more importantly, the solutions a seasoned commercial concrete partner brings.
1. Structural Modifications in Older Buildings
Older facilities weren’t designed for today’s larger, heavier presses. Adding or modifying press pits often means intrusive changes to load-bearing slabs, existing foundations, and sometimes even underground utilities.
- Structural assessment is always the first step. The team evaluates your existing structure to determine what’s needed to maintain integrity as excavation begins for the new pit.
- In many cases, reinforcement or underpinning is required to prevent settling and maintain safety margins.
- Coordination with structural engineers and your site leads results in a retrofit plan that protects your facility’s long-term performance.
2. Confined Space Logistics
Retrofitting press pits in an established facility isn’t just about moving concrete and steel. It also involves:
- Moving heavy equipment and materials safely through active buildings
- Phased access for limited disruptions, coordination with your teams for temporary egress routes, and use of custom formwork and pumping setups where needed
- Crews certified in confined space entry and mitigation work in compliance with all safety standards
3. Timeline Management Around Production
Every hour of downtime affects your bottom line. Retrofitting without a clear schedule can cause unnecessary disruption—so timeline management is critical.
- Approaches often involve shift work, night shifts, or weekends, allowing production to continue wherever possible.
- Proven project management tools are used to map the entire process, from demolition and excavation to forming, pouring, and curing the new press pit.
- Communication is key: before, during, and after the retrofit, you’ll have clear visibility into each project milestone.
Why Retrofit Instead of Replace?
Aside from operational continuity, cost is a major factor. According to recent industry insights, retrofitting press pits normally extends the useful life of your presses and infrastructure for a fraction of the cost of a complete replacement.
With the right planning, engineering, and expert execution, you can modernize your facility with minimal disruption and maximum return on investment.
Call Us to Get Started Planning Your Press Foundations!
When it comes to modern manufacturing, machine foundations and press pits are the backbone of any successful manufacturing operation. They provide the stability and support that keep everything running like a well-oiled machine.
So, whether you’re building new facilities or upgrading existing ones, don’t forget to give press pits the attention they deserve. Your machines – and your bottom line – will thank you! Contact us today to learn more.
