Site Selection & Location Strategy
Few decisions are more strategic and have longer term financial and operational implications than a facility location decision.
Whether a company is looking to expand existing, add new, or consolidate existing facilities, our site selection and location strategy team can help streamline efforts and facilitate sound business decisions to maximize the overall return on capital. We are driven by helping companies across various industries find the right location.
Our site selection process
We begin by understanding a company’s needs and preferences to begin our market identification process. During this phase, we compare markets based on supply chain needs, labor, overall tax burden, potential federal, state and local incentives, utility cost and real estate cost.
Once potential markets are identified, we proceed to site identification. Within each market, we will identify and evaluate any potential sites or buildings that meet the needs of the company. Physical, legal and financial considerations are all evaluated to determine the viability of a site. A comparison of the sites identified across markets and all the different variables involved are then compiled to help the company make a decision.
Through this tailored approach that’s specific to a company’s needs, we are able to optimize their facility location(s).
Baker Tilly helps Autel Energy find their first U.S. electric vehicle charger production facility
Autel Energy, an international company providing Electric Vehicle (EV) products and services, engaged Baker Tilly to assist in locating its first U.S. production facility as part of the EV movement being pushed by the federal government to create a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations.
We compare markets based on locations:
- Supply chain strategy, planning and optimization
- Logistics
- Labor analysis, including skill level and cost
- Power availability and quality research
- Tax and business climate research
- Infrastructure requirements
- Land availability and costs
- Site preparation costs
- Building costs
- Permitting and zoning
With potential sites identified, we negotiate incentive packages which may include:
Federal tax credits
Low costs loans
Utility rate discounts
- Water
- Electric
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
State and local credits and incentives
- Job creation or retention tax credits
- Labor training tax credits or grants
- Tax Increment Financing and other property tax incentive programs
- Capital investment tax credits
Financial considerations we take into account:
- Lease vs. buy analysis
- Tax structuring
- Highest and best use analysis
Site selection screening criteria
Having a site selection strategy is key to a project's success. In addition to the market considerations, incentive packages and financial considerations mentioned above, we utilize the following screening criteria as a framework for each project to allow for optimal success.
Labor analytics
Due to the labor shortage, it is critical to assess labor availability and cost when any company is looking to expand existing, add new, or consolidate existing facilities.
Baker Tilly’s site selection and location strategies team and project development office can guide companies through a site suitability analysis, including a nationwide site review and comparison on key labor metrics. Our labor analytics solution identifies optimal regions for your project based on employment numbers, wages and even commuting patterns.
