Are you working with a commercial real estate agent to find industrial space for your business needs? There are the main types of industrial buildings – with a friendly reminder that you may be able to save money by hiring a commercial remodeling contractor to renovate any industrial building to suit your specific needs.
Types of Industrial Buildings
Here are the main types of industrial buildings:
- Manufacturing buildings
- Bulk warehouse buildings
- Flex building
- Cold storage building
- Research and development building
- Datacenter
- Showroom
- Logistic centers
Manufacturing buildings
A manufacturing building typically has open floor plans, a loading dock, and space for machinery and equipment. Light manufacturing buildings (or light assembly buildings) are for the production or assembly of small goods, electronics, or textiles. Heavy manufacturing buildings are designed to produce heavy goods such as automobiles or machinery. Depending on the building’s use, manufacturing facilities can have reinforced structures, heavy-duty flooring, high ceilings for large machinery, and substantial energy requirements.
Warehouse buildings
A warehouse is used for storing and distributing products or materials. Storage and distribution buildings typically have high ceilings, extensive storage space, large loading docks, and access to transportation networks. Security and climate control are often prioritized when leasing a warehouse space.
Flex buildings
Flex buildings (or flexible space buildings) are designed to be adaptable for different uses, such as office space, manufacturing, and warehousing. Flex space buildings typically feature open floor plans, modular layouts, and utility installations that can be easily reconfigured to meet changing business needs.
Cold storage buildings
Cold storage facilities are specialized warehouses for storing perishable goods that require refrigeration or freezing. They have temperature-controlled environments, insulated walls, and specialized HVAC systems and often have strict hygiene standards to maintain product quality. Of course, a cold storage building also serves as a distribution warehouse, which means that it has loading docks as well.
Research and development (R&D) facilities
R&D buildings are industrial properties designed for product development and testing. R&D facilities usually include laboratory spaces, controlled environments, office areas for administrative work, and sometimes manufacturing areas for prototype development. They often have extensive security systems as well.
Data centers
Data centers are specialized buildings for housing computer systems and associated components such as telecommunications and storage systems. A data center prioritizes security, climate control, redundant power supplies, high-speed internet connections, and fire suppression systems to ensure continuous operation and data protection.
Showroom buildings
Customer-facing showrooms often combine traditional office space and warehouse with display areas to showcase products directly to customers. These buildings feature large display areas, open floor plans, storage spaces, and easy access for deliveries and customer visits.
Logistics centers
Logistic centers are central hubs for coordinating the distribution of goods. Logistics centers often integrate warehouse spaces with transportation facilities, inventory management systems, and loading docks to streamline the supply chain process.
What if you are having problems finding the right industrial real estate to fit your business needs? Contact TopKey Construction in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. We offer commercial remodeling and renovation services. We can help you renovate the interior or exterior of any industrial property.