I would like to connect multiple monitors to one CPU and be able to place these monitors at different locations on the shop floor. I would like these monitors to display the same image from the host computer. I would like to change/update information on a host/primary computer and have that information display at multiple locations through the monitors. Can this be done? What additional hardware and/or software do I need to purchase other than the monitors and the host computer?

Yes it can be done.
You need a splitter box from your graphics card or (more expensive) a multiple head graphics card(s).

What maybe an issue is the distance between monitors as you have to run VGA cable to each.

You could always work with a multi-monitor retailer like CineMassive. I'm sure they've run into something like this before. Looks from their site like they can setup multiple monitors for your laptop too.

I also came across a company called 9x that does something similar. Try googling them.

Helpful?