What is the primary use of general-purpose buildings?

General-purpose buildings are designed to be versatile, accommodating a variety of functions. The primary use of these buildings is for light manufacturing or assembly plants. This is because they typically have the necessary infrastructure to support activities such as production lines, assembly processes, and storage of raw materials and finished goods.

Light manufacturing setups in general-purpose buildings often prioritize flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt their operations as needed without requiring significant modifications to the building itself. For example, a company may start with a basic assembly process and later scale up to include more complex production techniques within the same space without needing a specialized facility.

In contrast, heavy manufacturing typically requires more robust structures with specific features, such as reinforced flooring and higher power supply capabilities, which general-purpose buildings might lack. Warehousing, while it can be part of a general-purpose building's function, often demands specific design elements tailored to the efficient storage and handling of goods. Research and development facilities generally require specialized environments, including controlled conditions and advanced technological infrastructure, which distinguishes them from the adaptable nature of general-purpose buildings.