Transforming a Warehouse into a Food Production Facility: Flooring Considerations
Converting an existing building into a food processing facility can offer a cost-effective solution to meet the growing demand for food production capacity. While it might appear as a convenient option compared to building from scratch, the transformation process involves careful planning, design, and adherence to specific industry standards. One crucial aspect of this conversion is ensuring that the flooring meets the stringent requirements of food manufacturing facilities. In Australia, where Allied Finishes plays a pivotal role in assisting companies with this transformation, understanding key flooring considerations is essential for a successful conversion.
Why Convert?
The need for additional production capacity often arises due to healthy growth in businesses, both new and existing. New businesses, looking to minimize risks associated with projecting demand and product success, might outsource manufacturing initially. However, as products gain traction, the demand for increased capacity becomes inevitable. For established businesses, the motivation to convert stems from the need to cater to new market segments or overall demand growth. Prior to investing in a conversion, it’s crucial to ensure that existing facilities are fully optimized to maximize production capacity. Exploring innovative production schedules and seasonal sourcing can uncover untapped potential within existing facilities.
Flooring Considerations: Key Factors to Address
When converting a warehouse into a food production facility, various aspects of the flooring need careful attention to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations. Here are some essential considerations:
1. Falls to Drains: Guided by Australian Standards
Among the primary considerations is the incorporation of appropriate drainage slopes within the facility’s flooring design. This involves creating a slight incline that guides liquids and cleaning solutions towards drainage points, preventing stagnant water pools that can give rise to contamination risks. The Australian Standard AS 4663:2013 outlines comprehensive guidelines for Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials, which includes specific directives for falls to drains. Collaborating with experts such as Allied Finishes from the outset is essential to seamlessly integrate this crucial feature.
2. Joints in the Concrete: A Necessity for Temperature Variations
Fluctuating temperatures are a common reality in food production spaces, particularly in areas where zones like freezers or blast chillers are adjacent to production zones. To avert the formation of floor cracks due to temperature differences, strategic joint placement is imperative. Neglecting this aspect could lead to floor failures over time. Proper joint design, following Australian standards, serves as a proactive measure to sustain functionality and safety within the facility.
3. Flooring Selection: Tailored to Your Requirements
Opting for the right type of flooring is a strategic decision that hinges on the specific needs of your facility. Different production areas have distinct demands, encompassing factors like durability, slip resistance, and chemical resilience. Allied Finishes provides an array of solutions, including their purpose-designed SteriFloor range for the industry’s unique demands. Selecting the appropriate flooring type necessitates an evaluation of aspects such as production processes, projected foot traffic, and cleaning protocols. This choice contributes significantly to the facility’s longevity, adherence to regulations, and overall operational efficiency.
4. Advanced Drainage Solutions: Cornerstone of Hygiene
Skimping on drainage solutions can yield far-reaching repercussions that extend beyond merely lifting the floor. It can impact machinery, trolleys, and even forklifts. Investing in high-quality drainage systems is pivotal to ensure proper functionality and hygiene within the facility. Notably, strip drains equipped with intelligent channels are gaining prominence. These thoughtfully engineered drains prevent the accumulation of food particles, enhancing sanitation measures and reducing contamination risks.
5. Coving: Ensuring Hygienic Integrity
Coving, the curved transition linking the floor and walls, assumes a critical role in upholding a watertight and hygienic environment. It prevents liquids, cleaning solutions, and contaminants from infiltrating wall crevices. The Australian Standard AS 4674-2004 delineates the specifications for coving in food premises, underscoring the significance of seamless transitions to facilitate effective cleaning.
Elevating Your Food Production Facility
The transformation of a warehouse into a food production facility offers an exciting opportunity for expansion and growth. However, the success of this endeavor hinges on meticulous planning and adherence to industry standards. Flooring considerations, including falls to drains, joint placement, flooring types, drainage, and coving, are paramount in creating a safe, hygienic, and compliant environment.
By collaborating with industry experts like Allied Finishes, companies can ensure that their flooring meets the highest standards. This proactive approach not only safeguards against contamination but also sets the stage for a successful transition and thriving food production venture.
Reach out today with your enquiry!
1800 033 444 | helpdesk@alliedfinishes.com