When it comes to industrial machinery installation, precision isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity. Whether bringing new equipment online or relocating existing assets, every step must be executed with exacting standards to ensure safety, functionality, and long-term operational efficiency. This is where the expertise of a certified millwright becomes essential.

At APS Industrial Services, our team of highly trained millwrights specializes in the full spectrum of installation services, including equipment alignment, leveling, anchoring, testing, and commissioning. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the end-to-end process of seamless machinery setup.

Why Millwright Services Are Critical to Industrial Operations

A properly installed machine reduces downtime, enhances productivity, minimizes wear, and extends the service life of the asset. Improper installation, on the other hand, can result in misalignment, vibration issues, safety hazards, and premature failure.

Millwrights bring deep mechanical expertise and hands-on experience that bridges the gap between engineering specs and real-world performance. From CNC machine installations to pump and motor setups, their role is pivotal in creating a reliable foundation for production operations.

Key Phases of the Machinery Installation Process

1. Pre-Installation Planning

Every successful installation starts with an engineered plan. This includes:

• Reviewing equipment specs and installation drawings

• Evaluating floor load capacity and environmental conditions

• Establishing a logistics plan for offloading and staging

• Identifying required rigging, cranes, or custom lifts

• Scheduling power, plumbing, and compressed air hookups

A comprehensive site assessment ensures the workspace is prepped and that there are no surprises during the physical install.

2. Precision Rigging and Equipment Placement

Heavy equipment such as conveyors, lathes, and presses require specialized rigging techniques to safely move them into place. APS Industrial Services uses:

• Gantry systems

• Forklifts with extended reach

• Air skates or hydraulic jacks

• Custom-built skids or cradles for complex components

Proper anchoring to the foundation is essential to prevent micro-movement during operation.

3. Leveling and Equipment Alignment

Even a minor misalignment can compromise output quality and damage machinery over time. Our millwrights employ tools like:

• Laser alignment systems

• Precision machinist levels

• Dial indicators

• Optical tooling (for large-scale alignment)

For pump and motor installations, correct shaft alignment ensures that bearing and seal life is maximized and vibration is minimized. Similarly, CNC machines must be leveled within thousandths of an inch to maintain accuracy.

4. Integration and Utilities Hookup

With the machine secured and aligned, our team integrates it with:

• Electrical panels and VFDs

• Pneumatic and hydraulic systems

• Cooling or lubrication infrastructure

• Automation systems and control logic

This step often includes collaborating with in-house electricians, mechanical contractors, and plant engineers to ensure seamless integration with existing processes.

5. Testing, Calibration, and Commissioning

Before production begins, a full system verification is conducted:

• Functional checks of all mechanical, electrical, and control systems

• Calibration of operational tolerances

• Safety interlocks and emergency shutdown system verification

• Trial runs and thermal growth analysis (if applicable)

Performance metrics are validated against OEM specifications to confirm the machine is production-ready.

Safety and Compliance: Built Into Every Step

Our millwrights are OSHA-certified and trained in:

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

• Confined space entry

• Rigging and hoisting safety

• NFPA and NEC code adherence

We also maintain documentation for load ratings, torque values, and safety inspections to meet insurance and regulatory standards.

Applications Across Industries

We’ve performed installations for:

• Food and beverage plants

• Aerospace and defense contractors

• Automotive part manufacturers

• Chemical and pharmaceutical facilities

• Warehousing and logistics centers

Whether it’s installing a new conveyor line, relocating a pump skid, or commissioning a CNC cell, APS Industrial Services delivers precision millwright work that minimizes downtime and maximizes reliability.

Why Choose APS Industrial Services?

With decades of experience in industrial machinery installation and millwright services, our team combines technical knowledge with a solutions-driven mindset. We provide:

• Turnkey project management

• Transparent scheduling and documentation

• Safety-first execution

• Post-installation support

Contact Us to Learn More

If you’re planning to install, relocate, or upgrade your industrial machinery, partner with experts who know how to deliver precise results. Contact APS Industrial Services today to learn more about our equipment alignment and millwright capabilities.