Retrofitted siFramo modular supports contribute to expansion of food manufacturing plant.

The expansion of a major food production facility faced a critical challenge on how to retrofit safe, freestanding and seismically compliant cable support systems within a tight timeframe.

With the contractors previously using channel systems for a similar application, for this project it failed to meet load and performance requirements.

siFramo, our modular steel system, offered a fast, robust and retrofittable solution which enabled contractors to complete installation without compromise or delays.

Project background

The site, that currently supplies products to customers in over 50 countries. To meet growing demand, the facility underwent an expansion project to significantly increase annual output.

A key part of upgrading the infrastructure required safely routing power cables from an outdoor transformer into the internal Motor Control Centre (MCC). As food processing environments experience fluctuating harsh conditions, moisture and strict hygiene standards, all control systems are required to be moved outside of the production zones to the MCC which acts as a critical hub for plant operation.

To complete the project of distributing power, two contactors were engaged: one installed the main cables from the transformer to the building entry point and the other handled the internal cabling above the MCC, full installation and system hook‑up.

The challenge

For the full expansion to be completed, the site faced a series of problems which required bespoke engineered solutions.

Cable support systems needed to be:

• Fully freestanding with no anchoring to walls due to the poly panel material
• Seismically compliant
• Capable of supporting heavy cable loads
• Accelerate installation to limit shutdown
• Integrated into the existing internal plant layout without modifying the structure
• Scalable for potential future expansion plans
  

Previously the contractors used channel systems which, for this application, lacked the required strength. With installation timescale extremely tight, the final support solution needed to allow for scalability for future expansion within the site.

Above: Bespoke retrofitted Sikla modular steel supports

The solution: retrofitted modular steel supports

Sikla became involved in the project after one of the Project Engineers recalled seeing Sikla products from a previous installation project and remembered how simple our products were to assemble. That familiarity opened the door to a smarter and more innovative approach.

To support the project, Sikla provided:

• Hot-dip galvanised components to C4 standards, suitable for the external and internal environmental conditions
• Technical data and engineering assistance to the design contractor
• Onsite support to ensure modular supports were correctly installed, especially for those new to Sikla products

Once designed and installed, the continuous modular support system ran seamlessly from the outside transformer to the MCC creating a bespoke Sikla retrofit solution to the facility.

Sikla's modular steel supports in action

Key components

The heart of the retrofit solution centred around key siFramo components including:

• siFramo F 80 beam sections – supplied in 6-meter lengths or cut to size
• STA connectors – enabling rapid structural configuration
• SKO bracing arms – ensure rigidity under seismic loads
• Self-forming screws – a single screw required for all connections
• Fully retrofittable modular system
• High load capacity and seismic compliant
• No welding or hot works required to assemble
• Faster installation and reduced labour requirements
• Scalable design for future projects

With products available off the shelf to avoid extended delays, the modularity of siFramo enables rapid installation onsite, with no hot works to deliver strength and stability.

The result was a retrofitted clean, self-standing, seismic compliant and future‑ready installation that met all project requirement within a tight timeframe while providing to be a smarter alternative to channel systems.

Why Sikla?

• Fully retrofittable modular system
• High load capacity and seismic compliant
• No welding or hot works required to assemble
• Faster installation and reduced labour requirements
• Scalable design for future projects

If your next project requires a retrofitted, seismic-compliant, fast install or would like to learn more about siFramo, our teams are ready to support you.