A linear programming embedded probabilistic tabu search for the unequal-area facility layout problem with flexible bays

► The unequal-area facility layout problem with flexible bays was solved. ► A linear programming embedded probabilistic tabu search was applied. ► Flexible bay structure representation is relaxed by allowing empty spaces within bays. ► Departments are allowed to be located more freely within the bays. ► The comparative results show that this approach is very promising.