Produce World
A £3.6 million project with a 36 week programme aiming to separate existing processes to meet demand and allow the factory to run more efficiently.
Produce World’s mission is to provide fresh produce supply chains for selected partners in retail and the food industry services. As one of the largest vegetable growers in Europe, Produce World receive, store, grade, wash and pack potatoes for Waitrose and The Cooperative supermarkets.
Starting out in 1898 as a small operation that grew vegetables for its fruit and vegetable shop, the business that is today known as the Produce World Group has expanded to become one of the largest vegetable growers and suppliers in Europe. They deliver their organic and non-organic produce through a combination of their own farms, joint ventures and collaborations with dedicated grower groups in the UK and overseas. An industry leader in lean supply chain management, the Produce World Group uses innovative planting and award-winning harvesting processes to ensure an efficient, fully-integrated and lean supply chain that is sustainable and fit for future growth.
Part of achieving that growth came when we were appointed to oversee the development and expansion of an existing facility in Lincolnshire. A dedicated team were assembled to see the project through from inception to execution and delivery. Carrying out the works under a Management Contracting arrangement, we developed the project according to intensive value engineering conducted in collaboration with the committed client team. Integration with the contractors and on-site teams was also important to overcome all challenges and keep the project on budget and within the set timescale.
The core aim of the project was to separate the existing washing and grading processes from the packing process. To achieve this, we extended the packing hall to create space for more packing lines, and remodelled and refurbished large areas of the factory. This enabled the factory to increase its efficiency: the number of washing machines were reduced, whilst the packing lines were increased to meet demand.
Another important factor in increasing efficiency came in the form of a new 700 tonne capacity conditioning store. Installed in a new extension, this store would improve handling and reduce loss through damage. Other additional areas were also improved and extended. The finished product chills, the packaging stores, the production offices, the plant areas and the ancillary areas were all refurbished and remodelled as part of the complex project.
The project was successfully delivered on time and within budget and the client was pleased with our work and the project outcome. The application of our experience in evaluating, designing and implementing projects and collaborating with our clients was fundamental in achieving this complex and challenging project in a successful manner.