A BUILDING TO BE ENJOYED

As the demand for production was continually increasing, the business had to leave the Aarschot site to set up in the industrial zone of Grijpen in Tienen. The new environmentally friendly building constitutes the most up-to-date technology for the food sector.

Tienen, the sugar town, was chosen because it is located at an acceptable distance for workers, but also because the site of Grijpen offered numerous extension possibilities.


A STANDARD IN THE FIELD OF CHOCOLATE PRODUCTION

Making a building correspond to the technical requirements and high standards of the food sector is not easy. But Kim’s Chocolates N.V. rose to the challenge and created an exceptional building.

The inverted structure of concrete and steel, as well as the walls made from panels of cellular concrete make it possible to avoid the spread of bacteria and dirt.


Still in the interest of hygiene, automatic sectional overhead doors have been installed in order that the various teams can work more quickly and observe the chain of heat and cold.
 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

In order to reduce the ecological footprint of the building as much as possible, Kim’s Chocolates N.V. took several measures. 

The renewal of air and air conditioning are based on new technologies like reversible systems. With regard to the refrigeration necessary for the production process, it is generated by a « Chiller » which makes it possible to transform electrical energy into thermal energy more efficiently. The use of fluorocarbon refrigerants is then avoided.

The efficiency of the lighting is also important. The number of bulbs has been calculated, as have the positioning and the colour of the walls, in order to consume less energy.

The roof of this new factory is completely white in order to reflect the light and hence avoid the building from overheating. Furthermore, the roof has PIR 7 cm insulation and is equipped with 2,982 photovoltaic panels.


The rainwater is collected, treated and reused throughout the company. And this is not all: the CEO of Kim’s Chocolates N.V. suggested and personally ensured that this building has its own treatment plant. The waste water is treated, based on the bio-fermentation principle, and consisting of coco fibres, which clean the water before releasing it.


Proof that this interest in ecology is admired and respected, in November 2008, Kim’s Chocolates N.V. was rewarded with the Unizo prize for being the most energy-saving Small and Medium Enterprises in Flanders.

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