Insulation panels measuring 20,000 square metres, and over 100 doors and windows were manufactured and installed by Askin Performance Panels in a short timeframe of six weeks at a new food processing facility in Sydney.

Jewel Fine Foods is a leading manufacturer of chilled ready-to-eat meals with a range of Thai, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese, Mexican and European cuisine. For their brand-new food processing facility being built in Sydney, the company sought a space that allowed for preparation, cooking, packaging, storage and distribution.

The brief from Hutchinson Builders was to manufacture and install 20,000 square metres of insulated panels, and more than 100 doors and windows. Apart from the short six-week turnaround, Askin had to resolve other challenges too such as working around other trades while still meeting the expected deadline. Additionally, the new facility was still being designed after construction had commenced; midway during construction, further expansion was required to meet larger capacity demands.

Askin overcame all the challenges through a structured construction program, clear communication with all stakeholders via weekly meetings to keep up with design variations and ensure continuous progress; a reliable construction crew of 18-plus members; good understanding of other trades’ access and services requirements; and scheduling timely delivery of sufficient insulated panels onsite to maintain installation consistency while still allowing free movement on site.

Askin Performance Panels was able to manufacture, supply and install more than 100 doors and 20,000 square metres of EPS-FR panels, all built to meet NCC/BCA Group 1 and in compliance with IPCA Code of Practice, while meeting the project deadline.

The winner of the 2016 Telstra Australian Medium Business Award, Jewel Fine Foods uses their brand-new food processing facility to continue cooking fine foods to be delivered to supermarkets around Australia.

Askin’s EPS-FR panels were used for the cool rooms, food processing areas and clean rooms. Askin also supplied doors, PVC insulated double swing doors, PVC swing doors, rapid roll doors, insulated panel sliding doors and insulated panel PA doors.