Food Processing

Project Details

The new development triples production capacity and doubles storage, supporting growth for the international fruit processing company.

The project involved around four kilometres of pipework and sophisticated mechanical systems alongside multiple food processing spaces, plantrooms, inward / outward goods areas and modern offices.

Apollo’s food processing expertise was central to the project, which incorporated extensive services including hot and cold water, steam, compressed air, CIP, HVAC, electrical distribution, and clean-room environments. Careful coordination was required to integrate these services with Barker’s own plant and equipment.

Apollo also upgraded Barker’s effluent treatment plant to an Oxyfix wastewater treatment system, installing new subsoil treatment tanks, pumps and dispersal fields while protecting the surrounding environment and maintaining operations.

The design incorporates a Kingspan enclosed process area supplied with tempered air. This improves the working environment while creating positive pressure to reduce the risk of dust and flying insect ingress. Heat recovered from the cooling loop is used to produce the tempered air via high-temperature heat pumps.

Maintaining uninterrupted production was a key priority. Apollo worked closely with Barker’s to isolate work areas, manage logistics and stage handovers while the new facility was commissioned alongside live operations. Unexpected ground conditions and operating-hour restrictions added complexity, requiring careful sequencing and proactive planning.

Close collaboration between Apollo, Barker’s, consultants and contractors, has resulted in a high-performing, international-standard facility that positions Barker’s for continued growth and demonstrates Apollo’s capability in complex food processing and live-environment delivery