Food project expansion - Produce World

"Project Maximus was a complex project with a number of significant challenges, and like any other large project it was vital to get the key decisions correct. Engaging Integrated Food Projects to help us deliver Maximus proved to be the best decision we made. From initial project planning through to project execution, Integrated Food Projects have been professional and extremely competent. Where IFP have set themselves apart is in the manner with which their people have integrated themselves and the principle contractors into our site teams. This has served to engender a culture where all challenges can be overcome; without allowing either timescale or budget to slip".

Darren Mortimer, Operations Director, Solanum Ltd

Integrated Food Projects were appointed to oversee the development and expansion of an existing facility in SE Lincolnshire.

Solanum Ltd receive, store, grade, wash and pack potatoes for Waitrose and The Co-operative.

Solanum are part of The Produce World Group who are involved in fresh produce supply chains for selected partners in retail and the food service industries.

At the core of the food project was the dislocation of the existing process to separate the washing/grading process from the packing process.

Produce World food project details:

Value : £3.6million
Programme : 36 weeks

This enabled the number of washing machines to be reduced and operate more efficiently, and also for the number of packing lines to be increased to meet demand.

Large areas of the factory were remodelled and re-furbished to house the washing and packing lines. The packing hall was opened up into a large new extension.

A new 700t capacity conditioning store was installed in a new extension to improve handling and reduce loss through damage.

Other areas that were improved and/or extended were: finished product chills, packaging stores, production offices, plant areas and ancillary areas.

The works were carried out under a Management Contracting arrangement which worked well with the developing nature of the project and the requirement for intensive Value Engineering in collaboration with a committed client team.