Food and beverage companies aim to minimise project risk
CONTRACT SECURED ELB Engineering is looking forward to working with Nestlé for the backup diesel generator plant in Potchefstroom
JOHN TUCKER A big part of minimising risk in terms of project execution is securing a one-stop service provider
In line with ELB Engineering Services’ (ELB’s) diversification strategy, the Industrial Projects business line has expanded from its traditional pneumatic and fine handling capability into the food and beverage and fast moving consumer goods sectors, as well as the power sector associated with generation capacity less than 25 MW.
Companies in the food and beverage industry constantly aim to minimise the risks involved in project execution, which can be done through securing a one-stop service provider that can partner with the core process technology provider, project management and engineering services provider, such as ELB, ELB Industrial Projects GM John Tucker believes.
If required, ELB can design partnership structures to work with external core process technology providers, Tucker notes.
“Many large-scale projects require this type of project management and execution service, as it relieves the client of the duties and stress associated with project management. The clients have to manage only one contractor, with ELB Engineering equipped with all the skills and expertise necessary to manage all the subcontractors,” he explains.
ELB’s pneumatic conveying division has been performing successfully in the food services industries. However, Tucker states that requests for ELB to deepen its involvement in the food and beverage processing industry started to increase in 2012. The company realised that there was a gap in the market and to capitalise on the opportunity, it started several projects offering complete process design and development solutions.
There was a noteworthy breakthrough for the company in the food and beverage industry when a serious breakdown occurred at a plant of a major industry player. The client needed to get the plant up and running very quickly, and ELB offered a solution that saw it act as a one-stop service provider.
Tucker notes that, within a few days, ELB had mobilised more than 30 people on site, comprising construction and engineering specialists. “What was supposed to be a ten-week breakdown was reduced to a three-week maintenance operation. We achieved this through working as an integrated team with the client. This, he says, was vital to the success of the project.
Commenting on the complexity of the industry, Tucker states that the company has realised the large number of core processes that are involved in the industry. Knowing and supplying the relevant technology for all such processes is not the correct strategy, but rather being able to function as a one-stop shop, especially for larger food and beverage companies.
ELB is able to offer this one-stop shop through its multidisciplinary engineering and strong project execution capabilities.Through the company’s strategy of partnering with world-class technology suppliers, they have aligned themselves with preferred partners for the supply of materials handling and auxiliary services equipment.
Further, Tucker says ELB has diversified into the air-pollution control and power sectors to support its clients and has recently concluded agreements with technology suppliers in these areas. The company’s capabilities in air pollution control range from Baghouse, Electrostatic Precipitators and flue-gas desulfurisation; whereas in the power sector its capabilities include gas, diesel and heavy fuel oil combined heat and power plants, as well as biomass power plants, he says.
Tucker notes that, with the increasing costs of energy and the drive towards zero waste, it is critical to consider the total energy balance diagram when designing a plant. ELB works with its clients to identify and perform desk-top studies on the best solution to minimise the overall cost per unit. The client can then make an informed decision before detailed design commences.
To extend ELB’s client support capabilities, Lean Certification has been implemented – a certification programme that provides individuals, companies and educators with a comprehensive roadmap for professional and workforce development that aligns with industry-recognised standards.
Tucker notes that ELB provides Lean-certified engineers on all the major projects in which it is involved. He says this enables the company’s representatives to “understand what their clients’ drivers and principles are, and how to implement them in the design of the plant”.
ELB has done work throughout sub-Saharan Africa and the company understands the difficulties regarding operating in the region. “International clients are finding it very helpful to have someone that understands the environment and can assist with projects being carried out in areas where they do not necessarily have much of a footprint,” Tucker concludes.
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