Despatch Extension at Westfalia Fruit UK

R G Carter were engaged by Westfalia Fruit (formerly known as Greencell) to design and construct a further lean-to extension 25m x 6.5m to the existing despatch area for the avocado and citrus fruit production premises.

The works necessitated an enabling works package comprising of breaking out existing hardstanding’s and removal of buried concrete foundations from previous site use. The existing foundations were carefully exposed to enable the new extensions substructure to be designed without clashing. A foul water drain diversion was also undertaken prior to the main works commencing which had been set out to avoid the new foundations.

Once completed the main extension works were undertaken which comprised the design and construction of a lean-to extension independent steel frame with food safe insulated wall and ceiling panels profiled cladded walls, ceilings on and including mass reinforced concrete pad foundations, reinforced concrete retaining walls and filcor structural insulation underneath a structural floor slab that was drilled and doweled to the existing floor slab.

The most challenging aspect of the project was tackled which comprised the removal of the existing former external wall and insulated food-safe wall.

This incorporation of new intermediate angle supports to support the retained high level wall panels and relocation of structural bracing to an adjacent bay. Once installed the removal of the existing walls was undertaken with temporary food-safe protection in place to prevent contamination of the live despatch area. These works required very careful planning and close co-ordination with the client to enable them to still continue their despatch activities and when required works were temporarily paused to ensure the client could still meet their customer’s demands.

The break through from the new extension to the existing was successfully completed in just three days which enabled the client team to undertake their final fit-out trades prior to the extended despatch area coming into full use. The extended despatch area has greatly improved the clients despatch storage capacity and gives them the flexibility to provide dedicated zones for products for specific customers.