KEMTILE, a hygienic flooring company, says it’s added another plant-based food manufacturer to its credentials – UK independent tofu producer, Tofu King.
Expanding its UK operations to meet the surge in demand for its bean curd products, the manufacturer has extended its production capabilities by moving to a new production and warehouse facility in Aston, Birmingham – enabling it to produce tofu blocks, sheets, and fried varieties at a single site.
This particular installation – where Kemtile supplied and installed the flooring system – reportedly followed recommendations from other food manufacturing companies and a meeting on the company’s stand at a leading UK trade exhibition two years ago.
More recently, Tofu King owner and managing director Yan Lui accompanied the Kemtile team on a visit to a pizza manufacturer’s supply chain centre, in Warrington – yet another of its recently completed flooring projects – to see its flooring solutions, in action, first-hand.
Says Kemtile: ‘It quickly became clear how we takes time to understand our customers’ exact requirements, which in turn provided ideas and inspiration to inform the hygienic flooring solution developed especially for Tofu King’s new manufacturing plant.
‘During the two-month project period, we installed 1,380sq m of co-polymer screed to the desired drainage ‘falls’. This was then overlaid with Stonclad UF – a trowel applied, high-performance polyurethane floor screed.’
Stonclad UF is described by Kemtile as hard-wearing and slip-resistant and its dense impervious surface reportedly makes it hygienic and easy to clean. Stonclad UF is installed in one application, which reportedly makes it suitable for quick completion and minimal down-time. Such benefits make it an increasingly popular specification choice for many food and beverage manufacturers, says Kemtile.
‘Stonclad UF is part of the world-renowned 11-strong Stonhard Stonclad range, which is a global flooring system of choice across many manufacturing industries,’ it adds.
Yan Lui said: ‘We needed to expand our UK operation to meet continued consumer demand for bean curd products – through our existing independent and trade base, as well as through new business growth within the retail and foodservice sectors – so it was essential we chose our partners carefully.
‘It was clear from the outset Kemtile could be trusted to deliver and their experience, expertise and attention to detail was second to none.
Kemtile’s Jamie Cook said: ‘We pride ourselves on repeat business and referrals and this particular project is a perfect example of both. Tofu King’s brief was a little challenging – in terms of meeting the very specific demands of bean curd manufacture – and we’re delighted to support business growth at such a booming time for plant-based meat-alternatives. We wish Liu and Tofu King all the very best in terms of expansion and growth.’
www.kemtile.co.uk
