Plant, generators and industrial kit

Generators, compressors, transformers, switchgear, HVAC units and safes moved and positioned across the UK, onto plinths and into plant rooms.

In short: This service covers moving and positioning heavy building and industrial plant such as generators, compressors, transformers, switchgear, chillers, HVAC units, safes and printing presses. It suits facilities managers, M&E contractors and businesses installing, replacing or relocating plant. Typical UK costs range from around £500 for a simple local move to several thousand pounds where cranes or confined-space rigging are needed.

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Building plant is often installed in awkward places: basement plant rooms, rooftop compounds, narrow service yards and tight switch rooms. A standby generator or transformer is dense and heavy for its size, and switchgear and control panels can be top-heavy and sensitive to knocks and tilting. Moving them safely depends on knowing the weight distribution and the approved lifting and handling points.

We move plant into and out of buildings using the same methods as machinery: skates and jacks for floor-level moves, gantries and chain blocks in plant rooms, and HIABs or mobile cranes for lifts onto roofs and plinths. Fuel, refrigerant and electrical work stays with the specialists, who drain, recover, isolate and reconnect, while we handle the lifting, transport and positioning in a sequence agreed with your M&E contractor.

What is included

Generators and standby power units, including onto plinths
Air compressors, receivers and dryers
Transformers, switchgear and control panels moved upright and protected
Chillers, condensers, air handling units and HVAC plant
Safes and strongroom doors, with floor loading checked
Printing presses, guillotines and finishing equipment
Crane lifts to roofs and rooftop plant areas
Coordination with M&E, electrical and refrigeration engineers

Who it is for

Facilities managers replacing ageing building plant
M&E contractors needing a lifting and rigging subcontractor
Businesses installing a standby generator or new compressor
Data centres and offices upgrading switchgear or cooling
Print firms relocating or replacing presses
Anyone moving a heavy safe safely

How much does it cost?

As a guide, a simple local move of a compressor, safe or small generator typically costs £500 to £1,500, while crane lifts onto roofs or rigging into basement plant rooms usually cost from about £1,500 to several thousand pounds. See our full cost guide.

How it works

Identify the plant

We confirm the make, model, weight and lifting points of each unit, and whether fuel, oil or refrigerant must be removed by a specialist first.

Plan the route

Plant room access, door sizes, floor loadings and crane positions are surveyed, and a method statement and lift plan are prepared.

Disconnect and move

Once specialists have isolated, drained or recovered as required, the unit is rigged, lifted or skated out and transported upright where needed.

Install on position

The unit is placed on its plinth, frame or anti-vibration mounts, ready for the M&E team to fix down, reconnect and commission.

Plant, generators and industrial kit: FAQs

Does a generator need its fuel removed before moving?

Often, yes, particularly for crane lifts, long journeys or units with large belly tanks, because fuel adds weight and creates spill and fire risks. The manufacturer's guidance and the lift plan decide this. Fuel should be removed and disposed of or reused by a competent fuel or generator specialist, and the unit moved upright.

Can switchgear be laid down for transport?

Generally not. Switchgear, control panels and many electrical cabinets are designed to be moved upright and can be damaged if tilted or laid flat. They are usually moved on skates or with a forklift using their base frame or lifting eyes, and protected from knocks and moisture. Always check the manufacturer's handling instructions.

Who handles the refrigerant on a chiller or air conditioning unit?

Only an F-gas certified engineer can recover refrigerant or open the refrigerant circuit, under the UK F-gas regulations. Many units can be moved with the refrigerant charge pumped down and contained, but that decision belongs to your refrigeration engineer. We plan the move around their work.

Will the floor take a heavy safe?

A large safe can put a very high load onto a small area of floor. Ground-floor concrete slabs usually cope, but suspended timber floors, upper floors and some older buildings may not. We check the route and the final position, spread the load where needed, and recommend a structural engineer's check if there is doubt.