Food Processing

Project Details

In 2021, Romano’s Food Group was devastated when their original Christchurch facility was destroyed in an electrical fire. The factory had been operating for 50 years and everyone, including New Zealand pizza lovers, wanted it back up and running as soon as possible.

Impressed by our expertise in the food and beverage industry, Apollo was to chosen by the Laura Kirkpatrick Family Trust to manage the rebuild at the original Hillsborough site. The design work for the 299m² office and 2365m² factory began in September 2021, and by 10 October 2022 the new facility was back up and running and ready to occupy.

The project used Kingspan insulated panels, precast concrete panels, and Colorsteel roof and wall cladding. To meet special food quality control requirements, the food processing operation needed to flow through the building with the manager having visibility of the topping operation area from their office. This was achieved by tailoring the design layout, so the manager’s office was adjacent to the most crucial section of the production line with a window included to provide uninterrupted viewing.

Despite numerous challenges including COVID-related hurdles, supply issues, consent delays, and ground contamination work due to the fire, the build was completed on time and within budget.