Colorado-Based Packaging Company Conveyor Upgrades at Texas Plant

JP Cullen worked with a Colorado-based packaging company on upgrading conveyors in their Texas plant. By using rigid deadlines and aggressively scheduled shutdowns, JP Cullen was able to demo current conveyors, platforms, and other equipment, while also installing steel framing as well as new conveyors and other equipment in order to keep up with the demand of production.

The major obstacles of this project were the time period in which the shutdown was scheduled, scope of work revision, the introduction of new designs, and the physical space allotted to complete the project. Following the revision on the scope of work, shutdown periods were delayed while platforms and conveyors both underwent some new design changes. Through these delays and changes, the hurdles continued with the spatial capacity for which the JP Cullen team was given due to the facility still being in production. Despite the adversity faced by JP Cullen, this project was still delivered on time and efficiently.

Our team was able to rise to the challenge by utilizing our internal resources as well as our structural engineering partner. Thanks to Building Information Modeling (BIM), JP Cullen was able to complete the client’s request for newly designed platforms on time. While the plant had been previously scanned as part of a preconstruction phase, the model was able to be used throughout the project to allow the team to modify the pre-existing model to develop a design draft for subcontractors who ultimately designed the mechanical systems. Steel fabricators then received final designs to create the platforms. After this process was completed the revised 3D model continued to be used to take advantage of the limited space and clearance allocated to JP Cullen.

While major changes continuously pressured the construction timeline, JP Cullen was able to use their assets to their advantage pushing them to the finish line on time efficiently. With the help of BIM technology, JP Cullen was able to successfully navigate design changes with quick turnaround. The completion of the project resulted in the installation of 30,000 square feet of platforms, 5,700 linear feet of conveyors, and 34 new pieces of equipment.