1. Proactive maintenance
Investing in maintenance ensures operational continuity. Regular upkeep of essential equipment, like refrigeration and HVAC (heating, ventilation, airconditioning) units, prevents costly downtime and extends their lifespan. Insulated panel is also highly susceptible to damage which allows ingress of water. Ceilings can get heavy from ice build-up and collapse. This major safety risk can be mitigated with maintenance and by identifying the cause of the water ingress. Wiley has replaced many ceilings damaged by condensation from refrigeration pipes with broken insulation or failed sprinkler events. Insulated panel can also be degraded by corrosive environments. To protect the panel surface, careful consideration of cleaning chemicals used, and adequate ventilation are needed. Consider alternative materials such as stainless-steel skins or concrete walls.
2. Optimise energy efficiency
Upgrading to energy-efficient systems, improving insulation and using smart energy monitoring can significantly reduce operational expenses. Boilers and refrigeration systems require frequent upgrades for efficiency, compliance and reliability.
3. Facility design for flexibility
A well-designed facility enables future growth and adaptability. Modular layouts and durable materials ensure the facility can evolve with changing business needs. Dual-temperature cool rooms are a growing trend. They offer flexibility at a higher cost, but the long-term benefits justify the investment.
4. Mitigate risk through resilience
Designing facilities to be resilient protects against risks like fire, power outages and extreme weather. To comply with current standards and mitigate risks, many older facilities, though functional, need upgrades. This includes fire sprinklers, EPS (expanded polystyrene) and roof repairs.
5. Leverage automation
Automation enhances operational efficiency and reduces the risk of equipment damage. Forklifts and other manual handling equipment can inadvertently cause harm if the assets are not properly guarded.
6. Train employees
Well-trained workers are key to eliminating accidents and increasing productivity. Proper safety training, combined with ergonomically designed facilities, ensures that human resources are optimised, and the risk of accidents is minimised.
7. Partnering with experienced and specialised contractors
Choosing experienced partners ensures that your facility is built to meet the specific demands of your industry, avoiding costly mistakes. Wiley brings strong brownfield expertise to the design, construction and maintenance of food production and cold storage facilities.
A holistic approach combining regular maintenance, energy efficiency, risk management and strategic planning is essential to protect your food production and cold storage assets. Ensure your operations remain efficient and resilient by investing in the right infrastructure and collaborating with experienced contractors.
What strategies have you found most effective in protecting your assets? Share your insights and let’s continue the conversation.
About CJ Nutracon and Wiley
The CJ Nutracon facility is a prime example of the long-term value that careful planning, collaboration and proactive management bring to food production and cold storage operations. Wiley’s comprehensive services supported CJ Nutracon in setting up their Toowoomba facility. The CJ Nutracon team arrived in Australia with laptops and mobile phones. Wiley provided the full suite of services from advisory services and design to process engineering and construction, Wiley played a critical role in adapting the US-based process design to the Australian site, ensuring its successful completion and continued operation.
To assist CJ set-up in Australia, Wiley provided the full suite of services:
- Advisory services – early capital cost estimates, introductions to raw material suppliers, introductions to government support network and incentives, evaluated site locations, conducted due diligence on shortlisted sites
- Design – designed the facility and obtained statutory approvals
- Process Engineering – in collaboration with CJ, adapted the US process design to the new site, installed and commissioned the equipment and controls
- Construction – constructed the facility and commissioned.
