Roof and wall panel systems from Askin Performance Panels were specified for the new facility at the Nestle coffee processing plant in Gympie.

The Nestle plant required a new addition to their current facility to produce the entire Australian requirement for International Roast and Andronicus Roast Coffee.

In their project brief for Askin Performance Panels, McNab Constructions sought the manufacture and installation of 1200 square metres of XFLAM panels to NCC Group 1; installation to meet requirements of a fully sealed clean environment; walls and ceilings to all the seven levels; and completion within five weeks.

Askin Performance Panels installed Askin Roofing, Askin Exterior and Interior panel wall systems, and XFLAM panels.

The challenge for Askin Performance Panels was to safely and securely install XFLAM panels while working at significant height as well as complete the seven-storey building within the five-week time frame.

Installation

To overcome the challenges of installing the insulated panels with minimal risk to worker safety, the Nestle Coffee tower was built from the inside out. Each insulated panel component was trimmed on the ground and then craned into position to minimise the amount of work required at height. Each level had to be well coordinated with an accurate delivery schedule.

Since workplace health and safety goals were prioritised on the site, most of the construction took place on the ground, helping minimise risk to the crew. Once the floors were built and lifted onto the tower, access points to each location were secured and trades were trained to work at height.

With workers traversing seven floors continually, fatigue was a potential risk; this was limited with work areas restricted to individual work crews and rotated at lower floors where appropriate.

Project outcomes

Askin Performance Panels designed, manufactured and installed 1200 square metres of XFLAM panels in line with Nestlé’s specific requirements. The panels featured 0.5mm skins, a flat profile finish and built-in antibacterial protection. The panels were compliant with the NCC, IPCA Code of Practice and food processing standards.