Transforming Leeland Baking Company: A T.W. Hicks, Inc. Project Highlight
The heart of the food industry thrives on unwavering standards of cleanliness and compliance. Leeland Baking Company, a key supplier of hot dog buns to major retailers like Walmart, HEB, and Kroger, recognized the necessity of upgrading their facility to meet and exceed these standards. Operating from its premises since 2004, the bakery faced the challenge of maintaining the integrity of its cinder block walls. Previous attempts with vinyl wall coverings and paint offered only temporary solutions, leading to recurring maintenance issues and the looming threat of USDA audits. In their pursuit of a lasting solution, Leeland Baking Company turned to the expertise of T.W. Hicks, Inc., a decision that marks a significant milestone in their operational excellence.
Project Overview
Nestled in the bustling city of Houston, Texas, the project spanned 1900 square feet and 168 linear feet of wall space, culminating in March 2024. T.W. Hicks, Inc. was tasked with installing a USDA-compliant wall system that not only met the rigorous demands of food safety standards but also enhanced the durability and longevity of the facility's infrastructure. The Corothane® I HS Aliphatic Finish system was selected for its superior performance characteristics, promising a solution that Leeland Baking Company could rely on for years.
The Process
The renovation process was meticulous, beginning with the preparation of the wall surfaces using 4,000 psi Ramteq power washers. This initial step ensured the removal of any failing paint and prepared the walls for the application of the Corothane system. The project emphasized cleanliness and safety, critical components in a food production facility, to prevent any delays in production restart. Each step, from patching with Ardex Feather Finish to the final application of the Corothane I HS White, was executed with precision, underscoring T.W. Hicks, Inc.'s commitment to excellence and adherence to Sherwin-Williams' application guidelines.
Unwavering Commitment to Safety and Compliance
Safety protocols were paramount throughout the project, with all crew members adhering to strict guidelines, including wearing hard hats, safety glasses, boots, and hair or beard nets. The project's success hinged on the technical application of the wall system and the team's ability to navigate the operational intricacies of a bustling bakery. This included adjusting to shutdown schedules and ensuring that all safety and housekeeping inspections were conducted rigorously, with no exceptions.
A Testament to Expertise and Collaboration
The transformation of Leeland Baking Company's facility is a testament to the collaborative effort between T.W. Hicks, Inc. and the bakery's team. The project's completion within the constraints of the bakery's production schedule demonstrates T.W. Hicks, Inc.'s flexibility and commitment to client needs. The use of USDA-compliant Corothane® I HS Aliphatic Finish ensures that the bakery's operations are maintained and enhanced, reflecting a commitment to quality that mirrors the bakery's dedication to its products.
Elevating Industry Standards
The Leeland Baking Company project is a benchmark for food safety and facility maintenance industry standards. For those interested in learning more about food and beverage wall solutions, resources such as Sherwin-Williams offer detailed insights into USDA-approved epoxy floor coatings systems, underscoring the importance of compliance and durability in food production environments.
T.W. Hicks, Inc.'s execution of this project not only solved a longstanding issue for Leeland Baking Company but also set a new standard for excellence in the industry. This collaboration highlights the significance of choosing the right partners and solutions to maintain the highest safety, cleanliness, and efficiency standards in the food production sector. T.W. Hicks is your resource for high quality, cutting-edge wall systems. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to get a quote on your next project.