How to Build a Steel Structure Vehicle Assembly Workshop
10/30/2025
Prefabricated steel structure workshops offer advantages such as low construction cost, high efficiency, easy maintenance, and a high return on investment. Their spatial flexibility provides unlimited possibilities for expansion, meeting the diverse space requirements of Vehicle production. SKD has become the primary choice for vehicle manufacturing today. Regarding “How to Build a Steel Structure Vehicle Assembly Workshop?”, we have summarized the following key insights based on our experience.
1: Site Selection for an SKD Factory The geographical location of the factory is extremely important. It should be built in an area with convenient access to main roads and a reliable power supply. Based on the planned annual production capacity, determine the basic dimensions of the SKD workshop — including width, height, and length — to ensure proper layout and efficiency.
2: Design of the SKD Workshop A reasonable design is the top priority. According to the production rhythm of the Vehicle assembly line, the steel structure workshop should be properly planned. For an annual production capacity of about 10,000 vehicles, the required building area is typically around 25,000 square meters, and the workshop height should generally be about 12 meters. The SKD workshop usually includes the following functional areas: production line and equipment zone logistics passage zone sub-assembly material buffer zone SKD material buffer zone vehicle maintenance area waterproof testing area office area power supply room Some areas should also be equipped with cranes for handling heavy components. In regions with hot or cold climates, the fire resistance, thermal insulation, and energy efficiency of the warehouse must be carefully considered. Since vehicle warehouses are generally large in size, roof ventilators should be installed to improve airflow and reduce energy consumption, and daylight windows should be arranged along the walls for natural lighting. At the corresponding locations of logistics passages, electric rolling doors should be installed to facilitate the entry and exit of SKD materials and finished vehicles.
3: Material Selection for the SKD Workshop The structural form should be determined according to the spatial requirements of the SKD workshop. Generally, a portal frame structure is a suitable choice. Due to the excellent ductility and durability of steel, for workshops designed for large buses or trucks, a truss structure or grid structure can be adopted. These systems offer large spans ranging from 50 to 200 meters, while maintaining relatively low material volume, which helps reduce transportation costs. Sandwich panels and color steel sheets are commonly used for the wall and roof cladding of steel structure warehouses. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and provide good thermal and heat insulation performance. Note: Inferior materials should be strictly avoided, as they increase the risk of roof leakage and significantly raise the maintenance cost of the workshop’s enclosure system. In coastal areas, corrosion resistance must be taken into consideration — galvanized steel is the preferred option to enhance durability and protect the structure against corrosion.
4: Installation of the SKD Workshop The components of a prefabricated steel buildings are usually manufactured in the factory, and only bolt connections are required during on-site installation. Henan Gefan Building Materials Co., Ltd. has assisted many well-known Vehicle brands in constructing overseas SKD factories, including BYD, Chery, Jetour, Dongfeng, Hongyan, and Shaanxi Automobile. We can dispatch engineers to assist with the workshop installation or provide training for local installation teams to ensure smooth and efficient project execution
In summary, building an SKD workshop requires careful consideration in four key aspects: site selection, planning and design, material selection, and installation. Choosing an experienced construction partner is especially important. With its exceptional industry experience and professional team, Henan Gefan Building Materials Co., Ltd. is a partner you can’t afford to miss. Contact us today, and we will provide you with a customized solution and quotation within 24 hours.
