The project was so well managed by FPC that the building was ready nearly one year early. The FPC team were really clever, and it’s all about a partnership, rather than a costing exercise.

Ralph Rackstraw NZ Engineering Manager from T&G Global

Project Duration

13 months duration

The challenge

T&G Global are a world leading produce distributor. In 2020 they recognised the need to expand their Hawke’s Bay operation to meet the ever increasing demand for apples domestically and internationally. They needed to commission a new 12,500m2 warehouse capable of packing more than 125 million kilograms of apples per season – making it one of the largest packhouses in the Southern Hemisphere.

The solution

T&G Global selected FPC as their preferred construction partner to build the new state-of-the-art warehouse facility. The building is constructed of a structural steel portal frame, 9.5m tall precast panels to the full perimeter, a fibre reinforced slab and coloursteel roof. Within the building is a 6m high pre-cast concrete mezzanine that is the central location for packing materials distribution. 

The building is located on an old orchard which meant a significant earthworks and stormwater redesign for the site was required to allow the new building to fit perfectly into its new surroundings. Testament to FPC’s design, the site sustained minimal damage from Cyclone Gabrielle that hit the region in February 2023. 

The new packhouse aimed to streamline the storage, sorting, and distribution processes, allowing for faster turnaround times and improved overall efficiency. The new building boasts a number of leading innovations:

  • State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: The facility was designed with modern technologies to ensure optimal storage conditions for the apples. This includes controlled atmosphere chambers and temperature regulation systems to extend the shelf life of the apples.
  • Sorting and Grading Automation: The warehouse incorporates advanced grading equipment to sort apples based on size, colour, and quality. 
  • Sustainable Practices: Environmental considerations were prioritised during the warehouse’s construction. Energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and recycling initiatives were implemented to minimise the ecological footprint of the facility.

The Value

Ralph Rackstraw, NZ Engineering Manager from T&G Global said “The project was so well managed by FPC that the building was ready nearly one year early. The FPC team were really clever, and it’s all about a partnership, rather than a costing exercise”. 

This state-of-the-art packhouse will support the future growth and competitiveness of T&G Global over the next 10 years. FPC is very proud to have been the construction partner on this important and highly successful project.

Hear from our client Ralph Rackstraw from T&G Global