CASE STUDY: STAINLESS STEEL PLATFORM
Posted: July 2024
About the Client
A major food and beverage manufacturer in Lancaster, PA, needed assistance with a crucial project at their facility. The client required the fabrication of a new stainless steel maintenance and sanitation platform for their existing equipment.
Armed with an idea, the customer sought out referrals to find a partner with the creativity, experience, and capabilities needed to design, fabricate, and install the platform. Additionally, the partner also had to have a deep understanding of the stringent sanitation standards, and the ability to navigate through their unique operational requirements. After hearing about SWF Industrial’s expertise in sanitary stainless steel, they knew that they had found the right partner.
The Problem
The manufacturer faced significant challenges with efficient access to maintain and sanitize their equipment. Without easy access to the machinery, they were relying on ladders and man lifts, slowing down the process with additional safety measures, leading to inefficiency and potential hazards.
Additionally, the platform had to meet specific design standards for load capacity and OSHA’s safety criteria, without overlooking the finish and high-quality welds required in the food industry. The client’s current equipment lacked easy access to difficult-to-reach areas, impacting maintenance speed and efficiency and complicating thorough sanitation.
To further complicate their needs, the planned stainless steel platform had to fit around that existing, complex equipment, and allow for the clearances that their team needed to safely access the machines while maximizing safety for their crews.
The Solution
SWF Industrial took a comprehensive and creative approach to addressing the client’s needs. After the initial bid and planning, SWF began with a 3D scan of the existing equipment with their state-of-the-art Trimble X7 laser scanner.
Once completed, the scans were uploaded into Tekla to design a detailed 3D model that combined the new platform with the existing equipment, allowing SWF to maximize the design for fit and ease of installation.
Once the design was approved, SWF Industrial fabricated the platform in their dedicated sanitary stainless steel bays, ensuring it would meet sanitation standards. After fabrication was completed, SWF prepared the platform for transport and installation.
The Result
SWF successfully utilized their creativity, along with their experience and expertise in food and beverage fabrication to provide the customer with the turnkey solutions needed to solve their complex problem.
That creativity combined with their commitment to excellence helped bring the client’s idea to life, delivering a safe, efficient, and compliant solution allowing them to access, maintain, and sanitize their equipment.
Following the successful installation, the customer continued to partner with SWF, awarding them contracts for additional work, leading to SWF being chosen as the preferred vendor for their Lancaster facility.
SWF: Let’s Build the Future Together
SWF Industrial is proud to partner with food and beverage processors and manufacturers across the country. From design to installation, our team provides unmatched turnkey services, helping solve complex problems, and ensure the safety, efficiency, and compliance of their equipment and facilities.
Looking for a reliable partner to take your idea from concept to completion? Start a conversation with our experienced team today.