Location selection and plant layout

         In this type of plant layout, the product is kept at a fixed position and all other material, components, tool, machines, equipments ; workers are brought in periphery of it. This generally happens when the work piece is huge in size and it cannot be loaded on to any machine. Generally the process of ship building, design of wind blades, air craft structuring and other projects involve this kind of plant layout.        Advantages:  Plant layout is highly flexible and can accommodate changes in product design, product mix and production volume.  This involves minimum movements of materials. So, material handling cost is least.  It is possible to assign one or more skilled workers to a project start to finish in have continuity of work.  Disadvantages:  This kind of layout requires skilled labor.  Movement of equipments and men take more time, so the time for completion of this project is more.  Requires close control and coordination in production and scheduling