As Australia’s largest manufacturing industry, food and beverage processing has needed to adapt to consumer needs and trends to remain cutting edge, especially in response to the global pandemic. There is now more demand than ever for local production and supporting Australian businesses.
Choosing to align themselves with another leading Australian brand, Ahrens partnered with Bickford’s Australia to design and construct their advanced warehouse facility in the state’s northern suburbs. The result has enhanced their efficiency and ability to produce the premium cordials and aerated drinks that have woven themselves into the fabric of Australian summer.
Ahrens, a national full service construction, engineering, mining services and rural infrastructure company, are the most vertically integrated construction company in Australia, which allows them to reduce costs and improve efficiencies for their clients.
The fifth generation family business offers clients a one-stop shop to take their project from concept to completion, and it was this competitive advantage that was the winning ingredient in the successful delivery of this venture.
Ahrens’ innovative approach, fused with their experience in the design and construction of infrastructure for the food and beverage sector, saw them apply unique design features to enhance flexibility for the client and their products. The provision of temperature controlled functionality for the warehouse meant the temperature of the client’s products could remain within a set range during all seasons of the year, and the addition of clear spans meant the number of internal columns could be reduced so the client’s space could be maximised.
Works for the $4.6 million complex included the 11,520m2 warehouse itself and a 1,500m2 loading canopy, complemented by a car park expansion. As part of this turnkey project, Ahrens also produced an internal despatch office area for the large warehouse, including internal fit out which consisted of wall linings, vinyl flooring and work stations.
Ahrens’ all-inclusive capabilities meant this fit out could be completed in house, and the 255 tonnes of structural steel required could be produced at their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
The successful completion of this project marked the beginning of a decade long relationship between the two Australian family-owned companies and has led to Ahrens being engaged to complete further works, a chiller and processing plant, which will form part of the Salisbury plant.
Find out how Ahrens can bring your next project to life, visit www.ahrens.com.au/fblp