Within the food and beverage sector, managing an industrial relocation project is a complex process that requires a lot of planning. From relocating a production line to an entire food processing facility, relocations in this industry come with extra considerations that must be carefully accounted for. Making the wrong decisions early on can lead to significant cost implications.
How VIG ensures compliance with hygiene regulations before the first move
When planning for an industrial relocation in the food and beverage sector, compliance with food hygiene regulations lays a crucial foundation, long before the first machine is even moved.
During the planning phase, we take into account not only general hygiene rules that apply across the board within this industry, but also site-specific rules, such as the types of PPE allowed, which may vary from one manufacturer to another. Understanding site-specific rules are key, and every hygiene rule is thoroughly considered during planning and communicated to our on-site team to ensure maximum efficiency.
Signing in, washing hands, reapplying PPE, or even stepping out for a break all add minutes that can quickly accumulate into hours over the course of a project. When we fully understand every requirement from the very start, we can plan accurately and efficiently. In planning terms, clarity equals time saved, allowing us to schedule work more precisely and keep the project running smoothly.
Maintaining sterile working conditions with the right equipment for the job
At VIG, we ensure that any lifting equipment used during a relocation phase is fully suited to the job in two key ways.
Firstly, when working within the food and beverage sector, we always use electric plant with white non-marking wheels to maintain sterile working conditions, and a healthier working environment.
Secondly, by tracking the previous use of our equipment, we ensure that machinery used in environments like poultry processing is thoroughly deep-cleaned before use elsewhere. In addition, we add an extra layer of contingency by keeping our machinery in client-specific sets (where feasible), further reducing the risk of cross-contamination between jobs.
Minimising downtime during relocation projects
Before any relocation project begins, we perform logistics, access and egress assessments. As food and beverage production lines are highly integrated systems, we always try to follow the natural process of the production line where possible.
By doing this, we can schedule commissioning from the start of the process through to the end, allowing production lines to resume operation with minimal downtime.
Downtime is one of the largest cost drivers during Food & Beverage industry relocations. The earlier we are engaged as your relocation partner, the better our team can optimise site access, sequence equipment, schedule utilities and factor in hygiene procedures.
Operations Director, Stephen Jeffries, comments on the importance of engaging VIG early and how this affects the success of an industrial relocation project.
“The key driver for any project is to get in early enough, understanding the requirements, the parameters, and what that picture looks like. One of the key questions that I will always ask any client is, “show me your goal, what do you envisage?”. Sometimes a client will outline their plan, but once we walk through the details and offer alternative viewpoints, they realise there were elements they hadn’t considered. That’s why it’s so important for them to share their goals with us from the start. Because when we fully understand their vision, we can deliver what good looks like together.”
This upfront clarity helps you achieve your goals more safely and efficiently, and prevents the “never thought of that” issues that arise without thorough planning.
The best way to manage challenges faced by the food and beverage sector during a relocation project is simple: involve VIG at the earliest planning stage. With our specialist knowledge, industry-specific equipment management and end-to-end responsibility, we ensure a smooth relocation with minimal downtime and full compliance – ultimately saving you time, cost and stress.