If the cable is shielded pairs, id definitely try it, with something to act as a repeater on either end (active cable, or hubs, etc) so performance won't vary with different hosts plugged in.
If it's not shielded pairs, find a cable with shielded pairs, as USB2 has more than a little common mode content, so it will be emitting a lot, and be more susceptible to inference. Especially in an area with motors and motor drives going.