This portfolio showcases our team’s efforts in designing a stainless steel platform for a pet food manufacturing plant, in collaboration with MNA Solutions. The project aimed to enhance the plant’s maintenance layout and create a safer work environment. Although the project did not proceed to approval, our team demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication throughout the planning and design phases. The experience provided valuable insights and strengthened our capabilities for future projects.

The client, a leading pet food manufacturer, sought to improve their plant’s maintenance layout to ensure a safer and more efficient work environment. The primary objective was to design a new stainless steel platform that would facilitate easier access for maintenance tasks while adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards required in food manufacturing.

In partnership with MNA Solutions, a firm with extensive experience in the pet food industry, our team was tasked with developing a comprehensive design plan that would meet the client’s operational needs and comply with industry regulations. The project required a deep understanding of the plant’s existing infrastructure, the specific challenges of the pet food manufacturing process, and the safety concerns associated with maintenance activities.

Design Process

Our design process was thorough and collaborative, ensuring that every aspect of the platform met the client’s requirements. Key steps included:

• Initial Consultations and Site Visits: We began with in-depth consultations with the client to understand their specific needs and challenges. Our team, alongside MNA Solutions, conducted detailed site visits to evaluate the existing plant layout, identify potential hazards, and assess areas for improvement.
• Brainstorming and Conceptualisation: Using insights from the site visits, we brainstormed innovative design solutions. We focused on creating a platform that would not only enhance safety but also integrate seamlessly with the plant’s operations.
• 3D Modeling and Iteration: Leveraging advanced design software, we created detailed 3D models of the platform. These models allowed us to visualize the structure, test different configurations, and refine the design based on feedback from the client and MNA Solutions.
• Innovative Features: One notable feature of our design was the incorporation of modular components, which allowed for easy assembly and future modifications. This reduced installation time and provided the client with flexibility for potential layout changes. Additionally, we specified anti-slip surfaces and rounded edges to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, ensuring a safer work environment.

Through multiple iterations and close collaboration with all stakeholders, we developed a design that balanced functionality, safety, and aesthetics.

Challenges and Solutions

The project presented several challenges, each of which our team addressed with creativity and expertise:

• Budget Constraints: We faced strict budget limitations that required us to find cost-effective materials and construction methods without compromising quality or safety. Our solution involved researching alternative stainless steel grades and optimizing the platform’s design to reduce material usage while maintaining structural integrity.
• Hygiene and Safety Regulations: Complying with rigorous food safety standards was critical. We consulted with industry experts and incorporated easy-to-clean surfaces, corrosion-resistant materials, and a design that minimized areas where contaminants could accumulate.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including the client, MNA Solutions, and potential regulatory bodies, required meticulous planning. We established regular meetings and progress updates to ensure everyone remained aligned on project goals and timelines.

Despite these challenges, our team remained focused on delivering a design that met the highest standards of safety and functionality.

Outcomes and Lessons Learned

Although the project did not proceed to approval, the outcomes and lessons learned were invaluable:

• Completed Design Plan: We delivered a fully developed design plan that showcased our team’s expertise in industrial design and safety engineering. The client expressed appreciation for our thorough approach and innovative solutions, noting that our work exceeded their expectations.
• Enhanced Team Capabilities: The project allowed our team to hone their skills in 3D modeling, stakeholder management, and regulatory compliance. One team member remarked, “This project challenged us to think outside the box and find creative solutions to complex problems. It was a great learning experience for everyone involved.”
• Key Lessons: The experience underscored the importance of early and continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment on project objectives. We also learned to adopt a more flexible design approach to accommodate changing requirements and constraints. Furthermore, the project highlighted the need for clear communication regarding project feasibility and potential roadblocks.

Had the project been approved, the new stainless steel platform would have significantly improved the plant’s maintenance efficiency and safety. The ergonomic design would have reduced the risk of workplace injuries, while the easy-to-clean surfaces would have enhanced hygiene standards. Additionally, the modular construction would have allowed for future expansions or modifications with minimal disruption to operations.

Conclusion

The Stainless Steel Platform Design Project was a testament to our team’s dedication, creativity, and expertise. Although the project did not move forward, the knowledge and experience gained will undoubtedly contribute to the success of future endeavors. We are proud of the work accomplished and look forward to applying these insights to upcoming projects, continuing to deliver innovative and impactful solutions to our clients.

This portfolio reflects our commitment to excellence and our ability to navigate complex challenges in industrial design. Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on safety, our team demonstrated its capability to deliver high-quality solutions, even in projects that do not reach full fruition.

Let’s Build Together

If you or your clients need expert engineering design and drafting support, we’re here to help. Our team is ready to provide the guidance and expertise you need to make your project a success. Contact us at info@kevos.com to explore how we can collaborate on your next venture!