Choosing the Right Facility Management Partner for Your Industrial Plant
Why the Right Facility Management Partner Matters
Facility management plays a major role in your plant’s efficiency, safety, and bottom line. When it’s not handled well, the costs can add up—fast.
According to McKinsey & Company, poor maintenance and reliability issues can result in tens of millions in lost profit annually—particularly in asset-heavy industries like oil refining. While exact figures vary by sector, the message is clear: unplanned downtime carries a high cost across industrial operations. And the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) notes that outsourcing facility management, when done strategically, can lead to meaningful cost savings.
How to Choose the Best Industrial Facility Management Partner for Your Plant
1. Choose a Partner with Industry Know-How
Not all facility management providers understand what it takes to keep an industrial plant running at full speed. Whether you're producing automotive parts, batteries, or construction materials, your partner should know the ins and outs of your environment.
Example: JLL, a global FM leader, highlights the importance of industry-specific expertise in optimizing costs and improving uptime across industrial clients.
What to Ask:
Do they have experience with facilities like yours? Can they point to relevant case studies or clients in your sector?
2. Look for Proactive Maintenance Capabilities
Reactive maintenance often leads to unplanned downtime and higher costs. A good partner uses preventive and predictive maintenance to solve small issues before they become costly breakdowns.
According to Deloitte, predictive maintenance can significantly reduce breakdowns and cut maintenance costs, thanks to data-driven tools like sensors and real-time monitoring.
What to Ask:
What systems do they use to monitor and maintain equipment health? How do they identify and act on early warning signs?
3. Choose a Facility Management Partner That Offers Integrated Industrial Services
Today’s facility management spans everything from HVAC and energy to IT infrastructure and safety. Working with a provider who can deliver an integrated service model helps streamline communication, improve results, and reduce costs.
What to Ask:
Can they handle everything under one roof? Do they have a clear plan to coordinate across different service areas?
4. Make Safety and Compliance a Priority
Regulations around environmental standards, worker safety, and equipment reliability are strict—and non-compliance can be expensive. For example, OSHA penalties for serious violations can exceed $15,000 per incident.
Facilities with strong safety and compliance programs not only avoid fines—they protect workers, reduce turnover, and boost productivity.
What to Ask:
How do they ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and ISO standards? Do they offer routine audits and staff training?
5. Look for Transparency and Clear Communication
When it comes to outsourced facility management, poor communication is more than just annoying—it’s risky. If updates are delayed or unclear, small issues can snowball into bigger problems. You need a partner who keeps you in the loop, not one you have to chase down for answers.
The best partners make transparency part of the process. You should expect regular updates, performance dashboards, and a go-to contact who understands your priorities. It’s not just about sending reports—it’s about giving you the visibility to make better decisions, spot trends, and stay ahead of issues.
Deloitte’s research shows that long-term outsourcing partnerships work best when they’re built on trust, collaboration, and clear performance measures like service-level agreements (SLAs). That structure helps both sides stay accountable and focused on delivering results.
What to Ask:
How will they keep you informed? Do they provide real-time dashboards? Will there be monthly reviews or clear SLAs in place?
Why Industrial Teams Choose Tempus
At Tempus, we specialize in helping industrial operations run better—from plant setup and equipment relocation to long-term maintenance and safety support. Our team includes project managers, engineers, and technicians with real-world experience in industries like automotive, battery, and construction materials.
Whether it’s optimizing your HVAC systems, integrating digital security, or helping you prepare for inspections, our approach is tailored, transparent, and focused on results.
Have you read?
Top Facility Management Issues in Manufacturing — Tempus
5 common mistakes in Industrial Preventive Maintenance — Tempus
Discover how effective MRO practices can enhance efficiency — Tempus
