1. Standard Width-to-Length Ratios
Factory plots are ideally planned with a rectangular shape, maintaining a practical width-to-length ratio, commonly:
- 1:2 or 1:3 (e.g., 100 ft x 200 ft or 150 ft x 450 ft)
- Ensures smooth workflow orientation, machinery alignment, and efficient material handling
- Supports linear process flow from raw material intake to finished goods dispatch
This ratio enhances circulation, minimizes cross-traffic, and optimizes internal logistics.
2. Minimum Width for Truck and Equipment Access
A minimum frontage (width) of 80 to 100 feet is generally recommended for:
- Truck maneuvering, entry gates, and loading/unloading bays
- Turning radius for heavy vehicles and forklifts
- Positioning multiple dock points along one face
For larger factories, widths of 150 to 200 feet or more allow multiple operational zones and flexible access.
3. Depth Based on Process Flow and Built-up Requirements
The depth (length) of a factory plot depends on:
- Type of manufacturing process – linear, U-shaped, or modular
- Space needed for production areas, storage, and packaging
- Expansion zones and fire safety buffers
Depths typically range from 200 to 500 feet, depending on sector and plot size.
4. Common Plot Size Ranges for Factory Layouts
Ideal plot sizes vary by industry scale:
- Small-scale units: 0.25 to 0.5 acre (approx. 100 ft x 100–200 ft)
- Medium-scale factories: 1 to 2 acres (approx. 150–200 ft x 300–400 ft)
- Large-scale plants: 5 to 10+ acres with custom dimensions for internal roadways, utility blocks, and future expansion
Larger factories may incorporate central aisles, side yards, and segregated utility areas within the layout.
5. Setback and Circulation Requirements
Ideal dimensions account for statutory and functional setbacks, typically:
- Front setback: 15 to 30 feet for parking or landscaping
- Side and rear setbacks: 10 to 20 feet for fire safety and access
- Internal circulation lanes: 20 to 30 feet for smooth material and personnel movement
These buffers must be incorporated into the gross plot dimensions when planning the factory layout.
6. Height and Column Spacing Considerations
Though not strictly part of land dimensions, ideal layout planning must also consider:
- Building height: 30 to 40 feet clear for industrial sheds
- Column spacing: 20 to 30 feet grid for flexible machinery placement
- Adequate floor load capacity based on operations
This ensures compatibility between the land footprint and superstructure design.
7. Orientation and Natural Factors
Ideal factory dimensions are enhanced by proper orientation for:
- Ventilation and natural light through longer east-west alignment
- Efficient drainage slope planning from back to front or side to side
- Placement of utilities, worker zones, and open areas along plot boundaries
Good orientation improves environmental performance and operational comfort.
