Usually the maker sends one or more engineers to supervise installation and commission the line, while you provide local labour, lifting equipment, utilities and civil works. The exact split varies by maker and by project, so it must be written into the contract.
Problems at this stage rarely come from the machines alone. They come from a site that is not ready, a missing crane, or an unclear list of who does what.
For a single machine, installation may need only a short visit or remote guidance by video. For a complete line, expect a team on site for longer, sometimes with a mechanical fitter and an electrical or automation engineer arriving at different stages.
A typical split of work
- The maker supplies layout drawings, foundation drawings and a utility schedule well before shipment.
- You build the foundations and bring power, air, water and drainage to the agreed connection points.
- You arrange unloading, cranes, forklifts and helpers when the containers arrive.
- The maker's engineers supervise placing, levelling and connecting the machines.
- A licensed local electrician makes the final connections to your supply, following local codes.
- The maker's engineers commission the line, run the site acceptance test and train your operators.
Engineers, visas and costs
Your company usually sends an invitation letter so the engineers can apply for business visas. Check your country's visa rules and processing times early. Some countries take weeks.
Contracts commonly state the number of engineer days included, and a daily rate for extra days. Travel, accommodation, meals and local transport are often paid by the buyer, but this is negotiable. The principles are discussed in Indian engineers for installation.
Agree what happens if the engineers arrive and the site is not ready. Waiting time is a frequent cause of dispute. Send photos of the finished foundations and utility points before they book flights.
The commissioning sequence
- Mechanical completion: every machine is placed, levelled, fixed and connected.
- Dry run: each machine runs empty to check rotation, alarms and safety functions.
- Trial run: the line runs with a small amount of product, and settings are tuned.
- Performance test: the line runs at rated output against the agreed criteria, as described in FAT and SAT.
- Training and handover: operators and maintenance staff are trained, and documents and spares are handed over.
Safety at your site
Once the machines are on your site, your company is usually responsible for workplace safety under local law. That includes lifting operations, electrical isolation and the safety of visiting engineers. Confirm responsibilities with your safety adviser and insurer before work starts. Check that the machines carry any marking your market requires, such as CE in the EU, before they are put into service. Ask the engineers to explain every guard and interlock to your staff during training.
Next step
We help you agree the installation scope with the maker, check that site documents arrive on time and follow up open points after commissioning. To discuss your project, book a free sourcing review.