Designing Food Factories: A Structured Approach with Trusted Partners
Designing a modern food production facility requires more than just technical expertise—it demands a deep understanding of product characteristics, hygiene standards, production flexibility, and operational efficiency. At Natural Processing Solutions (NPS), we work closely with our trusted partners — Food Technology Services (FTS), Food4Innovations, and TOP b.v. (Wageningen) —to deliver tailored food factory designs that are both scalable and future-ready.
Whether you are developing a new production line or upgrading an existing facility, our structured approach ensures that every step of the engineering process is thoughtfully executed to match your goals, timelines, and investment targets.
Tailored Process Engineering for Your Needs
No two food factories are the same. That’s why we emphasize custom engineering, built around your specific requirements. Together with our partners, we guide clients through a proven sequence of design stages—from idea to implementation.
1. List of Requirements (LoR)
The process begins with understanding your ambitions. What products are you planning to produce? In what volumes? What are the physical and sensory properties of these products, and what shelf life is expected? We translate your answers into a detailed List of Requirements (LoR), which becomes the foundation of all further design work.
2. Block Diagram Development
Once the LoR is defined, we map out the main process steps in a block diagram—a high-level visual that outlines the sequence of operations without going into too much technical detail. This step helps estimate the total number of unit operations and gives a rough indication of floor space requirements.
3. Concept Design and Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
The next phase involves translating the block diagram into a more detailed Process Flow Diagram (PFD). This includes identifying key process equipment, flow directions, in-line control points, and basic utilities. This stage is also used to identify potential bottlenecks and assess food safety risks, including CIP (Clean-In-Place) planning.
4. CAPEX Budget Estimation
Based on the PFD and preliminary equipment selection, we provide an initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) estimate. This estimate gives insight into the financial feasibility of the project and helps determine whether adjustments are needed before moving to detailed design.
5. Detailed Design (P&ID and BoM)
Once the concept is approved, we move into full Detailed Engineering. Here, we generate Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), ensuring that every valve, sensor, and connection is accounted for. A comprehensive Bill of Materials (BoM) is also prepared, including supplier specifications and cost breakdowns. This stage is critical for procurement, construction, and later validation.
6. Factory Layout and Construction Preparation
Using tools like AutoCAD and 3D modeling software, our team develops a precise factory layout that integrates processing lines, utility routes, service corridors, and safety zones. This layout includes all essential details needed for construction, such as floor drains, HVAC zones, and hygiene zoning.
Why Work with NPS and Our Partners?
Our strength lies in collaboration. At Natural Processing Solutions, we combine in-house technical know-how with the specialized capabilities of:
Food Technology Services (FTS): Experts in hygienic design and stainless steel process integration.
Food4Innovations: Specialists in innovation management and technology validation.
TOP b.v.: A leading Wageningen-based firm known for scaling novel food technologies from lab to industrial scale.
Together, we provide a unique mix of creativity, engineering rigor, and real-world experience. Whether you’re working on pasteurization, fermentation, high-pressure processing, or advanced filling lines—our consortium can design the factory around your product vision.
From Concept to Commissioning
Building a food factory is a major investment—but with the right design and the right partners, it becomes a strategic asset for growth. If you’re planning to build or upgrade your facility, we invite you to talk to us. Let’s engineer the future of food—together.
