Scaling back production? What you should know before closing a site

In today's fast-evolving industrial landscape, scaling back production or closing a site is not just a technical or financial decision - it’s a strategic one. Whether driven by regulatory changes, market shifts, or sustainability goals, downsizing operations requires thorough planning and precise execution to mitigate risks, reduce costs, and preserve asset value.

At SSMI, we specialise in guiding industrial organisations through the complex journey of decommissioning and repurposing. Based on years of hands-on experience and our in-depth knowledge of the circular economy, we’ve compiled key tips to help you prepare for a smooth, safe, and value-driven transition.

Start with clarity: Define the scope early

One of the most critical early steps is establishing a clear understanding of how extensive the scale-down needs to be. Are you removing one production line or shutting down an entire site? This clarity informs every following decision - from staffing and asset inventory to legal obligations and power supply needs.

Engaging SSMI early in the process ensures your project is scoped with precision, leveraging our end-to-end approach to planning, dismantling, and asset recovery. At SSMI, we’re pleased to offer a complete and non-binding project assessment. Simply share the key details of your decommissioning or scaling-down project with us, and our team will provide you with a tailored estimate - giving you clear insight into potential costs, returns, and timelines without any obligation.

Communicate early and transparently

Informing your workforce well in advance is not just considerate - it’s strategic. Site operators, utility managers, and line technicians often hold invaluable operational knowledge. Retaining these key individuals through the transition can significantly improve the quality and speed of the dismantling phase, particularly for complex systems like gas, water, and electricity infrastructure.

Keep the essentials running

While it may seem logical to disconnect utilities early, some power and water supply may need to remain operational during the dismantling phase. Certain tools and equipment used in the process rely on these systems. We help assess what infrastructure must remain active to ensure continuity and efficiency during disassembly.

Document everything

Gather comprehensive documentation of machinery and production lines ahead of time. Detailed manuals, maintenance logs, and configuration data not only assist in accurate valuation but also increase resale potential or redeployment opportunities. SSMI supports clients in compiling this documentation as part of our standard intake process.

Understand local legal and financial responsibilities

Scaling down a facility has legal and financial implications. Whether it’s site permits, environmental reporting, or contractual obligations to landlords, these vary per municipality and country. Acting early can prevent costly surprises.

SSMI’s integrated project plans take local regulations into account and offer a compliance-first dismantling approach that meets international HSE standards. Our team ensures that every aspect of your scaling back project—whether partial or full site closure—is executed with precision, safety, and transparency. If you're considering scaling back operations and want to explore your options, we're here to help. You can request a non-binding project assessment at any time - our experts will review your situation and provide a tailored estimate with insights into cost, asset recovery potential, and timelines.

Conduct a preliminary asset Inventory

Knowing what assets you have and what they’re worth is fundamental. If you're unsure of the potential market value of your equipment, SSMI offers expert initial inventories and asset valuations. This helps you build a realistic forecast of costs, returns, and timeframes—so you can make informed decisions from day one.

Rely on an expert-led process

At SSMI, we take ownership of the full process:

• Intake: Scope definition, asset mapping, civil standards, and internal redeployment options.
• Planning: Detailed site requirements, safety and HSE plans, and sales strategies.
• Disassembly: Technical dismantling by our in-house team with zero outsourcing.
• Transport: Secure packaging and export logistics.
• Handover: Site reinstatement and final reporting with contractual closure.

This proven workflow allows you to decommission with confidence—without interrupting other ongoing operations.

Scaling down doesn’t have to mean stepping back. With the right guidance and a reliable partner like SSMI, it becomes an opportunity to reallocate resources, improve operational focus, and support circular economy objectives. Whether you’re preparing for a partial shutdown or a full site exit, we’re here to guide, support, and deliver—sustainably and professionally.