Harvest Fresh Cuts Expansion

Client: Harvest Fresh Cuts
Location: Wacol, Brisbane
Scope overview: Following the successful design and construction of the 2,800m2 facility at Wacol, Wiley were engaged again to design and construct the expansion.

Project Description

CLIENT

Harvest Fresh Cuts are a subsidiary company of the parent One Harvest.

With facilities in Brisbane, Perth and Bairnsdale they specialise in producing a variety of salad bags, kits and bowls, value-added vegetables, prepared deli salads and fresh chilled meals.

OBJECTIVES

Wiley began their relationship with Harvest Fresh Cuts over a decade ago when they were contracted to design and construct a 2,800m2 facility at Wacol, Brisbane. This facility was recognised at the time as one of the most advanced food processing plants in the world.

Wiley was once again approached by Harvest to design and construct an expansion of this facility.

The expansion would incorporate:

  • Addition of a new production line
  • Relocation of two existing production lines to allow for raw materials and finished goods storage.

Wiley worked with Harvest during initial meetings with overseas equipment suppliers providing valuable insight into the coordination of the process design, management and implementation of this equipment.

Harvest contracted Wiley to continue with the construction phase, and assist through the complete design and commissioning of the equipment.

CHALLENGES

  • Working with a foreign equipment supplier to meet Australian Standards for electrical, safety guarding and general access
  • Extremely short shelf life of product. This limited extensive shut downs in which works could be completed
  • Managing construction and equipment installation without impinging on the current operations of the facility
  • Maintaining client production rates while onsite work took place.

SOLUTIONS

Advice

  • Provide information on Australian equipment standards and installation procedures to overseas suppliers
  • Advise on project management procedures and timelines to suit limited shut down periods
  • Provide guidance on services upgrades and maintenance of production rates.

Design

  • Determine adequate space for the new production line and relocation of existing lines
  • Layout designed for maximum throughput
  • Design for compliance with health and hygiene requirements
  • Design for integration of new and existing processes within the completely refrigerated processing space, temperature controlled at around 4°C with a humidity range from low to high.

Engineering

  • Coordination of services and assurance that imported, specialised processing equipment was compatible with Australian requirements and conditions
  • Work with client to ensure equipment complied with client’s requirements and expectations.

Construction

  • Coordination of construction activities with process equipment installation and commissioning
  • Working around the clock to achieve the required results with minimum shutdown periods – including moving an entire wall in 48 hours
  • Staging to meet timeframes of equipment coming from overseas
  • Minimising impact on existing services and coordinating contractors
  • Upgrade council services concurrent to work on-site – external to site then into the site.

RESULTS

Wiley’s specialist knowledge in process design and management, aligned with a holistic approach to master planning and project management, has given the client the potential for continuous future expansion—a facility that will grow with the business.

This ensures Harvest Freshcuts will continue to meet demand for minimally processed fresh, healthy and conveniently packed food products.