A Mixed Integer Programming Approach for the Unequal Area Facility Layout Problem

The Facility Layout Problem (FLP) is a classic problem for industrial engineers and work area designers, taking relevance because of its direct impact on productivity and efficiency in the productive systems. On the other hand, we face the Unequal Area Facility Layout Problem (UA-FLP) when the departments may have different areas. This study aims to propose two mixed integer linear programming formulations for the UA-FLP and use them to solve some academic instances. In particular, there is a case study in which we relocate the departments in an SME of dairy products to make the company more profitable by minimizing the total cost of movements between areas. This project was successful, obtaining excellent results, which becomes relevant because of its potential replication in other SMEs, making their production systems more efficient, and their local economies more vigorous