TAIT CNC Engineering Facility Relocation
Project Overview
Client: TAIT
Industry: Precision Engineering / Entertainment Manufacturing
Project Location: Haverhill, Suffolk → Pontefract, West Yorkshire
Project Duration: 10 Days
Scope of Work: Machine isolation, Mechanical disconnection, Heavy machinery lifting, Low loader transport, Factory relocation, Jib crane installation, Precision machine positioning, Installation ready for recommissioning
Complete Factory Relocation from Haverhill, Suffolk to Pontefract, West Yorkshire
In October 2023, SKH Machine Removers successfully completed the full relocation of TAIT’s CNC engineering facility, transferring an entire precision engineering workshop from Haverhill, Suffolk, to its new manufacturing facility in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
The project involved the safe decommissioning, transportation and installation of 15 CNC machine tools, 6 jib cranes, and associated production equipment over a carefully managed 10-day programme.
Working alongside our trusted industry partners, the relocation was completed from initial machine isolation through to every machine being positioned in its final production location, ready for electrical reconnection and commissioning.
About TAIT
Founded in 1978 by Michael Tait, TAIT has become one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of staging, automation and scenic engineering systems for the live entertainment industry.
From global concert tours and theatres to major sporting events, TAIT has built a reputation for engineering excellence, making precision manufacturing a vital
part of its operations.
When relocating part of its engineering division, TAIT required a specialist machinery relocation contractor capable of moving high-value CNC equipment safely while keeping production downtime to an absolute minimum.
Scope of Works
The relocation involved moving an entire CNC machining department from TAIT’s Haverhill facility to their new manufacturing site in Pontefract.
Every machine was carefully isolated, mechanically disconnected and prepared for transport before being loaded using specialist machinery handling equipment.
Once transported to the new facility, our team installed all six jib cranes before positioning each CNC machine beneath its designated crane, ensuring the new workshop layout matched the customer’s production requirements.
Following installation, every machine was accurately positioned and left ready for electrical reconnection and commissioning.
Machinery Relocated
CNC Milling Machines
- 2 × XYZ RMX 5000 Milling Machines (3.5 tonnes each)
- 1 × Doosan DNM 650 Milling Machine (8.5 tonnes)
- 2 × XYZ SMX 5000 Milling Machines (3.5 tonnes each)
- 1 × XYZ SM 4000 Milling Machine (2.5 tonnes)
- 1 × XYZ DPM Milling Machine (2.8 tonnes)
- 1 × XYZ Prototrak LPM Milling Machine (3.4 tonnes)
- 1 × Swift 4VS-SQ Milling Machine (1.2 tonnes)
- 1 × Doosan DNM 6700XL Milling Machine (10 tonnes)
- 1 × Doosan DNM 4500 Milling Machine (5 tonnes)
CNC Lathes
- 1 × XYZ RLX 425 (1.25m) Lathe (2.7 tonnes)
- 1 × XYZ RLX 425 (2m) Lathe (3.7 tonnes)
- 1 × XYZ SLX 555 Lathe (2.7 tonnes)
- 1 × Doosan Puma GT2100M Lathe (3.7 tonnes)
- 1 × Doosan Puma 2600LY II Lathe (6.1 tonnes)
- 1 × Doosan Puma 700LM II CNC Lathe (21.8 tonnes)
Jib Cranes
- 4 × Ground Mounted Jib Cranes
- 2 × Wall Mounted Jib Cranes
Specialist Equipment Used
To complete the relocation safely and efficiently, SKH Machine Removers utilised a range of specialist machinery moving equipment, including:
- Crane wagon
- Heavy-duty forklift trucks
- Machinery skates
- Hydraulic jacking systems
- Certified lifting equipment
- Low loader transport
- Versa-Lift heavy machinery handler
Project Delivery
The relocation was completed by our experienced three-man machinery moving team consisting of:
- Crane Wagon Operator
- Forklift Operator
- Banksman / Slinger
To successfully deliver the project, we also worked alongside our trusted industry partners:
- Chris Nobbs Machinery
- Versa-Lift
- Huskeys Transport
By combining specialist lifting equipment with heavy haulage expertise, every machine—including the 21.8-tonne Doosan Puma 700LM II—was transported and installed safely, efficiently and without incident.
Results
The complete factory relocation was successfully delivered within the planned 10-day programme.
From initial machine isolation in Haverhill through to the final installation in Pontefract, every stage of the project was carefully planned and executed to minimise disruption to the customer’s manufacturing operations.
Installing the jib cranes before positioning the CNC machines ensured the new workshop was laid out exactly as required, allowing TAIT’s engineering team to recommission production quickly.
The successful completion of this project demonstrates SKH Machine Removers’ capability to undertake complex factory relocations involving heavy CNC machinery, specialist lifting operations and precision machinery installation.
Why Choose SKH Machine Removers?
With decades of experience in heavy machinery handling, SKH Machine Removers provides complete relocation solutions for manufacturers across the UK.
Our services include:
- CNC machine removals
- Factory and workshop relocations
- Heavy machinery transport
- Machine installation and positioning
- Low loader transport
- Machinery skates and hydraulic lifting
- Specialist lifting operations
- Turnkey machinery relocation projects
Whether you’re relocating a single CNC machine or an entire manufacturing facility, our experienced team has the knowledge, equipment and expertise to deliver your project safely, professionally and on schedule.
Planning a Factory Relocation?
If you’re planning a CNC machine move, engineering workshop relocation or complete factory transfer, SKH Machine Removers can provide a fully managed
solution from dismantling and transport through to installation and final positioning.
Contact our team today to discuss your machinery relocation requirements and discover how we can help deliver your next project safely and efficiently.
