Renovating food producing companies

Stagnation means decline and downtime results in loss. That is why a renovation has to be planned as tightly as possible. Renovation specialist JacKit works 24/7 and engages in cooperation so that production can be resumed as soon as possible.

Sooner or later renovation is necessary. Dents in the wall, flaking paint, and holes and tears can sometimes be a real problem when it comes to food safety requirements. At the same time, renovation can never be planned at a convenient time. It is an field of tension that Jack Pluim knows all too well. With his sealant and renovation company JacKit, rooted in Beekbergen, he and 25 employees take care of the renovation and replacement of walls and ceilings in business premises. At night, if necessary.

"One of our customers had planned a production stop until Thursday due to renovation work. When we finished on Tuesday, he was very happy. Speed is important. There is no room for experimentation; it has to be right the first time. We work hard to achieve that," says Jack Pluim, director of JacKit.

Sealwise

The high work ethic has probably contributed to the fact that he has been supplying solutions to various companies in the food industry for over 25 years. To serve his clients even better, Jack recently entered into a partnership with Sealwise Nederland, a producer of panels for walls and ceilings. Sealwise WCB panels are made of recycled PVC, are fully recyclable and have antibacterial and antiviral properties, Jack says. That makes this new generation of (U)PVC panels not only suitable for the healthcare sector - where the idea originated - but also and in particular for application in the food industry. 

Satisfied customer

It is not the only form of cooperation that the renovation specialist supports towards the customer. Renovation also requires good cooperation with other stakeholders. Walls and ceilings are inextricably linked to a suitable floor in a well-functioning business area. "The point where floor and wall meet is also the weakest point of the room," says Jack. "An optimal connection is crucial with regard to issues such as hygiene and the prevention of leaks."

'There is no room for experimenting; it has to be right the first time.'

A good match between other activities in progress is also strictly necessary for any process; renovation or new construction. In that respect, Jack has good experiences with nearby Ruys Group from Apeldoorn. The company has been supplying industrial floors to various companies at home and abroad for over 45 years, including the food industry. Over the years, the two entrepreneurs have often met on the same projects in the industry. With a common goal in mind: a satisfied customer. "Good coordination is crucial to the process. It is particularly important in renovations, because there is often a tight schedule. By now, both JacKit and ourselves have plenty of experience in working under such time pressure, and in 'doing what you promise'. We regularly encounter the other on projects and respect each other," says director Hendrik Ruys. 

Joint projects

Ruys and JacKit regularly recommend each other to clients for renovation. Due to this relationship, the two can now tackle joint and pre-coordinated renovation projects. "The advantage is that the client now has a total solution available", continues Jack. "By joining forces, Ruys and JacKit can realise complete renovations in a short period of time." 

Difficult situations

The combination of years of experience, expertise and innovative products can come in handy in the challenging situations that everyday practice sometimes presents. Ad hoc solutions are not unknown to either company. This was demonstrated recently at Ruys' work for a meat-processing company; a rapid renovation of concrete bumpers. Time was a crucial factor here too and production had to continue as quickly as possible. Ruys called in JacKit and together they quickly found a solid and hygienic solution. ''We came up with a better idea in the shortest possible time; the best of both worlds'', says Hendrik.

The companies will soon start a project together at a fish-processing company in Urk. Ruys recently realised the floors for the expansion of the company premises. As soon as the existing production has moved to the new part, a renovation will follow; JacKit will use Sealwise and Ruys will realise the wear-resistant KORODUR Armoured Floor. Hendrik: "Together you can come up with the best solutions."

www.ruysgroep.nl
www.jackit.nl 

Photos: © Koos Groenewold