I've decided to move my commercial printing operation to a new building. What should I take into account when evaluating buildings?

A. That's an easy answer for us, since we've helped many companies move to new locations. Here are some of the items that can get overlooked:
* Examine the electrical capacity. Most print operations require 480 volts/3 phase/1,200-1,500 amps with some circuit breakers that can support 200 and 400 amps for main press drives.
* Inspect the lighting system, since many old fluorescent lighting fixtures are now obsolete and there are EPA restrictions on the disposal of the 6-foot bulbs.
* Check the spacing of the vertical roof support beams. They should ideally be 40- to 50-foot centers to permit optimum spacing layouts of the planned plant equipment installations.
* Have a roof inspection performed to spot areas of leaks, HVAC penetrations, and if the roof is silver painted to reflect the sun.
* Consider the costs of lowering ceilings to optimize the required climate control for inkjet and other digital presses.