"JIC's technology-oriented approach toward project planning and management made everything easier - I was impressed." - M.S., Field Project Manager, Metal Fabrication & Machinery Company

The Challenge: The world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products saw an increasing demand for its goods in the U.S. market. In response, the manufacturer retained AZO, a German company that specializes in material handling and design, to help expand its cocoa production capacity in their East coast facilities in Pennsylvania. AZO bid the industrial contract to three companies, JIC bested its two competitors, winning the fabrication and installation contract. The new production plant was designed to be fully computerized and automated.

The Solution: To convert an existing warehouse facility into a cocoa powder production plant, JIC fabricated galvanized steel and installed manufacturing equipment for the following areas:
 

The biggest challenge was height limitations. The existing warehouse has a 34-foot ceiling while the silo tanks and silo mixers are 25-feet and 28-feet tall, respectively. Under normal circumstances, fabricated equipment and platforms can be installed from the top. But restricted by a height clearance of less than 10 feet, JIC had to install from the bottom, which could have posed risks to both timing and budget.

The Results: Thanks to JIC's AutoCAD expertise in 3D modeling and its experienced staff, the silo tanks and mixers were smoothly and accurately installed within the expected project time frame. The second challenge was that the fabrication area was moved 1,000 feet away from the installation area. The changed location required new transportation and installation arrangements that impacted the overall fabrication and installation schedule. Despite these major challenges, JIC was able to deliver ahead of schedule, on budget and with the highest quality and safety measures (as always) that led to the client's success.