Smaak & Co aims for high-risk production environ­ment

Smaak & Co takes no risks when it comes to food safety and quality. The producer of fresh cream cheese products and tapas aims for a high-risk production environment. To achieve this, the company collaborates with renovation specialist Jackit from Beekbergen.

Smaak & Co began producing fresh chive cream cheese in 1998. Since then, the range has expanded to include various flavors, as well as tapas and stuffed brie. Gerard Stasse, founder of Smaak & Co, explains, “From our factory in Sliedrecht, we supply supermarkets in the Netherlands and Europe with our fresh products daily. This is done both under private label and our own brand ‘Boncheese’. Being active internationally, we hold various food safety certificates. Our production facility meets the highest standards within the BRC norm.”

The factory as hardware

“The factory should never be an issue,” Gerard continues firmly. “The factory is our hardware, and it must be perfect. Food safety requirements are becoming increasingly strict. We want to keep up. We prefer to be ahead of problems. We continuously strive for the highest achievable standards in food safety and quality. You shouldn’t expect anything less from us, especially since we’re dealing with food! That's precisely why we chose Sealwise panels from Jackit for the renovation.”

Jack Pluim (left) and Gerard Stasse

Renovating with Sealwise panels

The Smaak & Co factory has several production areas, some of which needed updating. “Over the years, minor damages appear on the walls. From a food safety and hygiene perspective, this is unacceptable and, moreover, it is aesthetically unpleasing. We not only want a safe and hygienic production space but also a pleasant working environment for our staff. But where do you start? We know a lot about cheese, but not much about panels. I happened to come across an interesting article on LinkedIn by Jack Pluim of Jackit about the innovative, food-safe Sealwise wall panels. I wanted to learn more.” A meeting between the two followed, marking the beginning of a new partnership. “I didn’t know Jack, but the trust was immediate,” Gerard continues. “We speak the same language: clear and straightforward. That way, you know what to expect from each other.”

Cleanroom in food

Inspired by the medical sector, there are more and more cleanrooms in the food industry. Smaak & Co also aims for a high-risk production environment. The Sealwise antibacterial wall panels have been used in cleanrooms and laboratories for years, sparking Gerard’s interest: “It’s a fantastic material. The panels are made from recycled PVC, are completely antibacterial and waterproof. This also means less time spent cleaning since water runs right off, and the panels don’t absorb dirt and bacteria. Additionally, the panels have a fire rating of A1 and are fully recyclable after use.”

“But they will last for a long time,” Jack adds with a laugh. “I only work with the best materials. I don’t intend to be back here in four years, at least not to redo my work. I aim for a sustainable solution. That’s why we’ve also become a dealer of Noavon products. These include FDA-approved sealant and biodegradable soap and degreaser. Noavon is known for its innovative products and continuous development.”

Room by room

Jack and his team have renovated five production areas for Smaak & Co. The walls and ceilings were fitted with Sealwise panels, doors were replaced, and additional wall protection was installed. The renovation took five working weeks in total. “Five working days per room,” Jack clarifies. “Production was moved to another area each time, minimizing downtime. The panels were glued to the existing walls, and we also eliminated all high-risk obstacles. We closed unnecessary windows and concealed coves to limit seams and transitions as much as possible, as these are the weakest points in terms of hygiene.”

And onwards!

Gerard looks back on the collaboration with satisfaction. He explains, “Jack knows exactly what he’s doing, as do his employees. They use the same decisive approach as Jack. Now that five rooms are done, the difference with the other production halls is quite significant. Therefore, we plan to renovate the other areas with Sealwise panels at a later stage. This way, we are gradually working towards a high-risk production environment.”

www.smaakenco.nl
www.jackit.nl

Photos: ©Dennis Wisse