The benefits of a food factory refurb

Factory refurbishment is an opportunity to turn the aged into the amazing. That particularly applies to food factories.

Contrary to the belief that food factories, much like the products they package, have a sell-by date, a factory refurbishment can help operators restructure and revitalise production facilities. This saves time and money and reduces risk, compared with new builds. They can be completed to varying budgets too; even the smallest spending helps reap big rewards from the investment. So, what specifically can a refurbishment do the operations of a food factory?

Whilst the biggest pull of refurbishments for many companies is the ability to free up floor space to allow for increased deployment of new automation across production lines, it isn’t the only reason for a top-to-bottom food factory refurbishment. Whilst these remodels may look like a ‘rip it out and start again’ job, that’s often not the case. Refurbs can be planned and executed whilst a factory remains fully operational, driving turnkey results to minimise operational disruption.

Hygiene

Most importantly, it’s about ensuring a food factory is primed to be a leading food-safe and temperature-controlled environment. New product lines or processes drive the need to change hygiene risk classification and often, floor finishes, drains and kerbs will need to be fit for purpose. As such, this part of the process can gain huge rewards for our clients as new practices are implemented.

Food-safe insulated panels are easy to install and pack many benefits to ensure an environment is tailored to minimise the risk of bacteria and water ingress, as well as maintain that structural and fire integrity is consistent throughout the entire structure.

Energy efficiency & reversing degradation

Just like your car needs an MOT to maintain pique performance, food factories need some TLC from time-to-time too. The most minor of time-effected changes can make a huge impact on energy efficiency and productivity. With the rising cost of both elements today, surely neglecting the minor issues initially is an oversight.

As belts tighten on EPC regulations, refurbishments can help factories reach net zero goals. Simple updates make sure everything is up to scratch. As panels and equipment degrade over time, so does their efficiency. Therefore, maintenance works, as part of refurbishments, can be vital in lowering a factory’s energy output.

A common issue we see is the corrosion of doors and gaskets, which can be particularly costly within cold storage. If a door fails to seal properly, refrigeration equipment may have to work a lot harder than usual to perform. Ice can form around the door’s frame, a health & safety risk for slips and other workplace accidents, stiffening the door, and increasing the chance of employees becoming trapped inside.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we’re experts at spotting even the smallest of issues. When fixed, these issues can save both energy and costs massively.

To find out how our refurbishment works can breathe a new lease of life into your food factory, take a look at our services page or get in touch with us at enquiries@ambreybaker.co.uk