Last week a dramatic development occurred in the creamery, the final wall coating was applied. The doors and windows were taped up, and for three days layers of fiberglass and polyurethane were sprayed onto the walls by a company called Ironclad. With the door jams in place and the new glossy white walls the creamery looks cleaner and brighter. During the application of the walls our crew began work on projects outside the creamery, like putting up the walk-in refrigerator and welding frames for cheese aging racks.
This week our guys are working on getting the ceiling panels installed. We are using Nudo, a system of hollow-core plastic panels that interlock with a tongue and groove joint. Our hope is that the panels will be as durable as FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic), the current darling of the dairy industry in terms of creamery construction, but not have the drawbacks. FRP is cheap, easy to clean, and lacks the grout of tile (which if not maintained can harbor bacteria). However, FRP yellows with age and in ceiling applications I have witnessed first-hand that it can warp and sag. It seems like the honey comb interior of the Nudo panels will give them more rigidity.
The electrician is also inside working around our guys to get switches and outlets into place, and to install ceiling lights as the panels in each room are completed. The plugs are all waterproof, protected with clear boxes, from both the ambient humidity and frequent washing that will occur. The light fixtures are flush to the ceiling, to avoid places where dirt can accumulate, and shatter-proof, in accordance with state and federal requirements.
We’re getting close….