Food Processing center

Client:
Otafuku foods, Inc.
Project Completion:
september, 2013
Work Executed:
planning
Site Selection
Design
Construction
Floor Space:
17,000 sq. ft
Location:
113117 Molette St, Santa Fe Springs 
CA 90670

DETAILS

Otafuku, one of Japan’s leading seasoning manufacturers, expanded into the U.S. in 1998 when they established a local subsidiary to sell its own products. 
In 2013, they purchased a property in Santa Fe Springs, California with the aim of expanding the U.S. sales through a localization shift in development and manufacturing. 
On this property, they established a sauce manufacturing center which includes offices and R&D facilities. Our company provided many services for this project, from site selection to design and construction.

CHALLENGES

1. Site Selection
Site selection was the first major challenge we faced for this project. We inspected several sites with the client and broker, comparing them from many different angles. After considering the price, convenience, and environment of the different locations, we decided to establish the plant in Santa Fe Springs for its geographic relationship. 
Santa Fe provided a great location due to its connection to Japanese food product wholesale, as well as the expected future increase in transportation convenience, due to expansion of the Interstate 5.

2. Designing the center for viewing and large-scale renovations
Following the client’s wishes, we designed the new facility with offices, a test kitchen, and R&D and manufacturing areas that could accommodate visitors. 
All facilities were designed with walkways for viewing tours and walls were constructed with plenty of window space for easy viewing of operations. 
Despite the wide-range construction challenges - beginning with requirements for storing heavy machinery and utility upgrades, constructing new loading docks, exterior facilities, and roofing - we were able to systematically accomplish these tasks safely and smoothly.

3. Coordination in production equipment
Equipments for the sauce production facilities were provided by vendors in both Japan and the U.S. 
We managed this challenge by negotiating with all parties involved, while making scheduling adjustments to accommodate provision and plumbing for necessary utilities, as well as equipment vendors. During the UL, NSF, and other certification processes for the facilities, we coordinated and negotiated with clients, agents, certification organizations, and administrative bodies to ensure that certification could be obtained without any problems.

USE OF RETOUCHED PHOTOS

Under our company’s confidentiality and compliance agreement, some indoor equipment and people associated with this project may be shown in retouched photos.