For anyone new to the Agriculture and Food Processing Commercial Construction industry, there are a few things that separate the needs of this type of construction to others in its field. Building and development can take many forms. From developing machinery and processing food to crafting agricultural products among others.
Chad Fisher Construction has worked on many projects within this industry including multiple food processing plants. We work carefully with our clients to ensure all their needs are met on time and within budget.
Commercial Construction Considerations For The Agriculture And Food Processing Plant Industries
Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing food processing plant or want to build one from scratch, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the top things to consider when renovating or building in the commercial agricultural industry.
Process Layout and Workflow
The first step to developing an agricultural and food processing construction project is to have an architect plan and design the building itself. Following this step, research must be done to figure out the best design layout and architectural system for your needs.
Once the conceptual design is drawn up, the next elements to consider include:
- the layout of mechanical and electrical systems
- choosing the appropriate equipment based on sizing needs
- designing the structure and foundation
- construction drawings
- safety planning for personnel and more.
Training Contractors
From the outset, it would be wise for a plant manager and operator to select contractors with experience in the food industry. They should have the appropriate qualifications and knowledge to work in the agricultural and food processing industries.
When working on an existing facility, all incoming workers to the food plant should also be trained in a HARPC (Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls) program. This program should have details on all steps for workers to follow and carry out. It may include details on hygienic zoning, product specification, policies, and systems specific to a plant.
Safety and Regulations
Specifically in the food industry, there are numerous processes and regulations to adhere to. So, contractors need to take all these safety aspects in mind when constructing a building.
Industry-specific aspects must be mapped out to ensure the food processing plant keeps in line with the appropriate regulations. For example, more food processing plants are considering walkable ceilings. These ensure that workers can do maintenance on the building’s utilities without the risk of contamination.
It is also important that the materials used in construction will not affect the food products in any way.
Permits
Before construction on a food plant can begin, a Health Officer may need to approve it. So, it is essential that you lay all building plans out in detail, and according to local laws.
Building permits can only be issued once the structure is confirmed to be in line with the agricultural industry-standard safety codes. Then, once the permit is approved, the actual construction process can get off the ground.
Geography and Environment
Geography is an essential aspect for any building contractor to decide on. Why may you ask? Well, geography affects everything. From logistics when it comes to acquiring raw materials and ensuring you have an accessible location to the laborers who will work on your project.
Another factor that affects geography is the land itself. It is important to assess whether it is possible to build on the land or if soil degradation is the reality your company might have to prepare themselves for.
Extreme environmental concerns are also important to consider. Building in a hurricane, earthquake, or tornado-prone environment, for instance, can make all the difference in how you go about developing the construction plan.
This would also mean that the contractor would need to factor in these potential disasters to help ensure that the facility could withstand such harsh conditions.
Insulation and Energy
Proper insulation is vital in the agricultural industry as food products need to be stored at specific temperatures to keep fresh. Air conditioning systems and open-air production are often integral parts of a food processing plant.
Thus, it is important to consider the energy systems that will be utilized within a facility and how the construction can accommodate that. For example, at Chad Fisher Construction, we handled all construction on a project that featured a 99-kilowatt solar system on the facility’s roof.
An Integrated Approach With Chad Fisher Construction
There are numerous stakeholders involved in a agriculture and food processing building project. They may include equipment vendors, process engineers, and building architectural and engineering teams.
Rather than maintaining a siloed approach to operations, integration is essential. This helps to better manage and coordinate projects. This is why, at Chad Fisher Construction, we have engineers, architects, and contractors all under one roof. This integrated approach ensures that all teams can work together to construct the perfect facility for your needs.