2018 Plant Construction Survey: Rising Rate of Food & Beverage Plant Renovations/Expansions

The article discusses the considerations and trends involved in renovating or building new food and beverage processing plants. It highlights the importance of meeting food safety regulations, building codes, EPA and zoning laws, as well as wastewater treatment requirements. The decision to renovate or build at a new site depends on factors such as cost, certification requirements, demand, and the need for flexibility. According to the article, many processors are renovating or expanding their existing facilities to comply with regulations and keep up with demand. Retrofitting existing buildings is a popular trend due to the need for quicker production and cost considerations. However, some companies find it more cost-effective to build new facilities instead of modifying older ones. The article emphasizes the role of architecture and engineering firms in helping processors understand the design, materials, and methods required to achieve compliance and maintain it. The numbers from a survey conducted by the publication indicate that renovations and expansions are more common than new construction projects. The focus on renovations and expansions reflects the industry's emphasis on meeting regulatory requirements, time-to-market demands, and increasing production capacity. The survey also reveals that food safety is a top concern for both architecture and engineering firms and food processors, along with flexibility in plant design and controlling costs. The article highlights various factors driving food manufacturing building design, including meeting consumer demands, accommodating flexible manufacturing, and addressing the growing market for ready-to-eat meals and allergen-free products. Plant flexibility, adaptability, and location near population centers are crucial considerations. The need for blast freezing, separate processing areas, and improved food safety measures are also mentioned.