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Arla is one of Europe’s largest dairy companies, sourcing 8.3 billion litres of milk a year. In the UK, it processes 2 billion litres of milk annually and is a leading supplier to the country’s main multiple retailers. In 2003 Arla’s development team was created to move its Leeds dairy from its existing site near the city centre to Arla Foods’ new greenfield site, on the outskirts of Leeds, in three phases.
Challenges
- Phased construction over several years
- Fast-track installation
- Corrosive effect of lactic acid from milk
- Antistatic finish for powder mixing/chemicals storage areas
- Slip resistant finish essential – some areas continuously wet
Hygiene and Cleanability
From 2003–2009 40,000 m2 of UCRETE® has been installed on Arla sites in the UK – in addition to the three major projects at Leeds this included a number of smaller projects on other sites. To date in excess of 100,000 m2 various grades of UCRETE® has been installed in all of Arla facilities throughout Europe. At around half the cost of a hexagonal-tiled flooring finish, UCRETE® has proved to be a durable and cost-effective solution.
Advantages at a glance
Installation onto early aged concrete (7 days) achieved using UCRETE® systems without the need for special primers. UCRETE® walkable after 16 hours allowing early access for subsequent trades. Using UCRETE® assisted all parties in meeting a tight building programme. Steel mesh reinforced concrete substrate which included polypropylene fibres to control surface shrinkage of concrete.
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