The renovation or expansion of any type of production facility indicates a company is growing and prospering. Excitement and optimism builds as designs are completed, plans are approved, construction is commenced and equipment is ordered and installed. But, unlike other industries, the renovation of a food processing facility brings a unique set of concerns and challenges for facility owners and operators.
Whether it’s the installation of a new process line or the construction of a major expansion to increase production capacity, the challenges and concerns associated with renovating an operational food processing facility can seem numerous and overwhelming. Given the level of risk involved, food processing companies often struggle with finding solutions to the myriad of problems that can occur during a renovation process. But, if executed well, proper planning and management will greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the potential for problems during a renovation project. This requires a conscious effort by the entire project team to identify the problems that can arise, openly discuss the causes and potential impacts and then develop specific plans to manage and mitigate risks.