In 2023, we started the first stages of the renovation and expansion works at food company Huijbregts in Helmond (the Netherlands). Two years later, our work there is done. This project was more than challenging, both technically and visually; precisely what we at edibo love to see in our project portfolio. Project Manager Louis Corens wholeheartedly guides you through the highlights of this project.  

The client in this matter is Huijbregts Groep, an industrial mixing company of powder ingredients, and moreover, one of our most loyal partners, especially among our northern neighbours. In fact, we have been building on our close partnership for almost 35 years now.

Final stage with two faces

After the radical renovation of an outdated production hall and the new construction of a 100-metre long connecting corridor, we reached the third and final phase of this project.

“In this stage, the original designation of one of the existing buildings was entirely transformed, now accommodating several new purposes. The recently constructed connecting corridor leads to a brand-new warehouse, which in turn adjoins a building section that also houses the canteen. Within the context of a food company, this means that the main contractor needs to consider many specific requirements.”

Starting with a strict separation between the building sections. “In order to prevent contamination of goods stored in the warehouse, we built the adjoining canteen area according to the box-in-box principle, meaning that it is entirely and uninterruptedly encased with insulated wall and ceiling panels. Furthermore, movement between the warehouse and the canteen is now completely food-safe, thanks to the triple access doors.”

Man vs. robot

Another striking aspect is that the connecting corridor and the new warehouse were built to be completely robot-compatible. Specialised wiring underneath the floor surface controls small robotic carts which continuously pick and drop pallets to the designated location in the warehouse, 24/7. Apart from an occasional staff member, there is not a man to be found in this area; remarkedly different from the canteen, which is designed to emphasise the employees’ personal perception.

“This part of the building not only accommodates the canteen, but also an industrial kitchen, a reception area, sanitary facilities, changing rooms, and a laboratory. As requested by the client, an interior designer took charge of the interior finishing. The goal was to have a homely and warm result. In my view, she succeeded brilliantly.”

What’s most striking in the kitchen area are the special 3D decorative tiles, and the canteen stands out thanks to its green elements and numerous cosy corners. All this, combined with extensive glass walls and some finer aesthetic details, such as acoustic panelling, and ambient lighting, really bring the interior concept together.

That interplay between playful and practical has been carried through all the way to the outer façade. The warehouse section is finished with functional horizontal anthracite-grey sinusoidal cladding, while the canteen and the adjoining areas are bathed in natural light, thanks to the sleek, black-coated glass surfaces that reach all the way up to the ceiling.

Typical edibo?

“For this part of the project, we were mainly in charge of the production and construction of the steel structure, as well as the installation of the wall and ceiling panels. Not only that. We also demonstrated our coordination skills, ensuring that all the activities of the subcontractors and all the other external parties on site, like the interior designer and the HVAC experts, were aligned as seamlessly as possible.”

“In doing so, we once again proved ourselves to be a reliable and transparent sparring partner for our client, in a project that involved many construction intricacies and that had many partners to consider, on- and off-site.”

What challenge can you present us?

Whether the focus lies on execution or coordination, we at edibo take on every assignment with the same dedication and professionalism. It doesn’t matter whether your company is active in production, logistics, petrochemicals or the food industry: our constructive challengers are lined up to prove their worth to you.

Are you curious about our modus operandi? Take a look at some of our completed projects or contact us directly for an exploratory talk.