Facing Every Renovation Head-On; Jackit is Ready

Renovation and construction specialist, Jackit, is renowned as a flexible partner for the food industry, with CEO Jack Pluim being someone who tackles challenges head-on. With a new impact-resistant wall material, he expects to enhance to help the industry even better.

In 2024, the food industry is undoubtedly brimming with developments. Fortunately, the new year has also brought a solution to aid businesses in addressing food safety challenges. Enter the tougher wall panels from Jackit, based in Beekbergen.

Jack Pluim's company has been lining walls and ceilings for years with Sealwise WCB panels made from recycled UPVC. "These are ideal for the food industry because they are both waterproof and have antiviral and antibacterial properties in addition to the highest fire class for plastic, Bs1d0. The new panels share these attributes but are more robust. They resist denting upon impact, ensuring durability," explains Jack.
Also new are bumpers made from the same material. Previously, Jackit used to install PE panels, commonly known as cutting boards, to absorb severe impacts. "The downside was that the sealant didn't adhere well, and in case of damage, they could develop ridges harboring bacteria. These issues are now a thing of the past with the new bumpers and Sealwise panels." With these innovative solutions, Jack anticipates providing even better assistance to companies in the food industry. Over its 30-year history, the company has become a well-known name in renovating and constructing walls, ceilings, and doors.

New ceilings and walls in Compaxo Gouda's cold storage in just five days

Pinnacle Year

The new panels can be found on the walls of meat processor Compaxo in Gouda, where Jackit is undertaking a major renovation. Similarly, at meat company Wilthagen in Tholen. These are just two examples from approximately 75 projects initiated in 2023, contributing to what Jack describes as a "pinnacle year." With a dedicated team of 22 individuals, he looks forward to several new projects. "We took care of the ceilings for poultry farm Ter Maten in Bunschoten, are renovating the entire facility at meat factory Henri van de Bilt in Beuningen, and we are installing new panels on the ceilings at Hoogesteger Sappen in Zwanenburg. Additionally, we are currently constructing all major distribution centers for a well-known grocery delivery service," lists Jack.

Challenging and Enjoyable

Things are going well. When Jackit gets involved, the renovation specialist often ends up taking care of the entire building. This isn't about clever sales tactics but has everything to do with quality and flexibility. "We always aim for zero downtime, working even at night if necessary, providing quality at reasonable prices. We only charge a small fee for work on weekends." He takes pride in all projects, especially the challenging ones. Somehow, the work becomes even more enjoyable when people say it can't be done. That means Jack IS able to cover that narrow 30-centimeter wall above a machine or deal with pipes and tubes, finding the right solution at great heights.

Alongside Ruys Groep, Jackit renovated a 6-floor office building, each floor housing a laboratory for the UMC/AMC hospital in Amsterdam. ©Cor Salverius Fotografie

Trends

In the new year, Jack emphasizes a focus on renovation over new construction due to factors like the nitrogen issue. Additionally, there is increased attention to quality. He explains, "Inspections are stricter and more often unannounced nowadays. In the past, some companies would quickly touch up things to meet requirements, but that's much less common now. There's more awareness that renovating properly in one go pays off. Plus, you're set for the next ten to fifteen years. Renovation is always about planning and setting limits; usually, a food producer is significantly helped if the lower one and a half meters of the walls are addressed - they naturally endure the most damage. The same goes for the junction between the wall and floor, potentially the biggest leak in the room."

"For the food industry, we've introduced a new sealant from Innotec in the new kit for sealing between panels. It cures faster, meets FDA approval requirements, and comes with a five-year anti-mold guarantee. I can confidently say we're using the best materials."

If necessary they will even working at night, as Jack mentioned earlier. Although, perhaps it's wise to not work as much in the new year as in 2023; the company was active for a whopping 360 days. "On the other hand," he concludes optimistically, "I derive a lot of energy from my work!"

www.jackit.nl

Caption first photo: Van Osch Snacks back in full production within five days