IDC completes build of Australia’s largest freeze-dried produce facility
IDC is proud to unveil a recently completed project in Thabeban, Queensland. Gina’s Table, a subsidiary of SSS Strawberries (one of Australia’s most renowned strawberry growers), is now Australia’s largest producing purpose-built freeze-dried produce facility.
What we’re most proud of is being able to witness our client’s very passionate vision come to life: investing in and building a facility to help farmers and combat food waste, giving fruit that doesn’t meet the strict market criteria a second chance at life.
Image Credit: Bundaberg Now
The facility has been designed and constructed by us to have an entirely clear span structure. This removes any internal supports from the floor area to optimise productivity. In this process, we have also integrated a fully concealed monorail system, which to our knowledge, is a first in the industry.
Developing and building the 4000-square-meter freeze-drying facility was not without its challenges – which we took on with confidence. As the Design and Construct Principal Contractor, IDC has been instrumental in all aspects of the project, including installation of the production equipment which required interfacing, yet was sourced worldwide.
The specialised equipment included the IQF (snap) tunnel freezer from Sweden, the GEA Ray 50 freeze drier from Denmark, and the processing line from Italy, among other equipment from various parts of the world. We enlisted tradespeople with specialised skillsets from not only from Queensland but globally, to support this build.
The ammonia-based refrigeration plant is the core of the project, and a major capital investment by SSS. This sophisticated technology, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly, ensuring sustainable production for the life of the facility.
Image Credit: Courier Mail
Being the first of its kind, the new facility uses NASA-inspired technology to freeze-dry fruit, while retaining their shape integrity and extending shelf life. The same technology that has helped food survive in space will be used to salvage and process 2000 tonnes of fruit at capacity.
It’s not just the lifespan of fruit that will be positively impacted. The innovation that has been brought to Bundaberg will further enhance the region’s reputation for high-quality, fresh produce.
IDC’s Kailen Berthelsen with Bundaberg Major Jack Dempsey
A testimonial from Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey at the official opening event:
“The impact of this facility is enormous, and such a value-add to the community.
IDC does such great work, and their reputation is beyond par. To see a young, enthusiastic owner and builder take the company to where it is now – where it’s doing major national projects – shows the passion they have for building industry.
Wherever we see IDC buildings, they always exceed expectations. From the head of the company to the labourers on the ground, they certainly work as a great team and they’re able to deliver quality products like we have here today.”
