The Austin Co.

Client:

Specialty Bakers

Scope Of Work

Due to growth, Specialty Bakers wanted to investigate the time, cost and practicality of installing a spiral freezer at their Lititz production plant, so they released The Austin Company to prepare a Feasibility Study/Step 1A for the project. The new spiral freezer would increase production rates for this fresh and frozen pie plant by freezing the pre- baked pies after they had been cooled downstream from the oven.

The results of the feasibility study were accepted by Specialty Bakers and Austin was then released to complete Preliminary Engineering/Step 1B. At this point, Austin fully defined the project, cost estimate and schedule for the engineering and construction related to the installation of the new spiral conveyor freezer and refrigeration system.

An important target for the project was to complete it in time to benefit production for pie season. This required an expedited approach for the project. Experience, coupled with the proven ability to implement an expedited schedule, is why Specialty Bakers called on The Austin Company to complete this project.

The expedited project required the integrated and simultaneous construction and installation of: the refrigeration equipment engine room and related equipment, the spiral freezer and building modifications, and an upgrade to the electrical service. Building modifications included a raised roof structure over the spiral freezer. The freezer was installed in the middle of the plant and required Austin to install new columns, erect the new roof structure and cut and remove the existing roof deck. All of these activities were accomplished by Austin while the plant remained in operation.

The project, from Step 1A through construction completion, was accomplished within six months – on schedule for Specialty Bakers’ pie season production.