Critical Upgrades. Zero Disruption.
Modernizing Dust Collection and Venting Systems Inside an Active Food Production Facility
Production doesn't stop because a facility needs upgrades.
Dust collection systems wear out. Equipment reaches the end of its life. Building systems need to be upgraded.
The challenge with facility systems upgrades is completing the work while people keep working, products keep moving and food safety remains protected.
When Campbell Snacks' Franklin facility needed to modernize its dust collection and venting systems, shutting down production wasn't an option. The project required careful planning, containment and coordination to complete critical upgrades while the facility continued operating safely and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Critical facility upgrades don't have to require production shutdowns.
- Early planning and coordination reduce risk before construction begins.
- Custom containment systems protect food production while construction continues.
- Specialized access solutions allow material movement and operations to continue safely through the work zone.
- Clear communication and disciplined scheduling help maintain production from start to finish.
When Production Can't Stop
When Campbell Snacks' Franklin facility needed to upgrade its dust collection and venting systems, the challenge wasn't the size of the work. It was continuity.
This was an active food production facility. Shutting down production wasn't an option. Neither was risking dust migration, safety issues or interruptions to operations.
The Campbell Snacks' team knew exactly what needed to be addressed. What they needed was a construction partner who could step in quickly, manage the complexity behind the scenes and keep the plant running without disruption.
They turned to C.D. Smith to act as an extension of their team.
Small Project. Complex Coordination.
The scope was targeted but required careful coordination across structure, systems, safety and schedule. The work included:
- New roof penetrations
- Ductwork replacement
- Boiler vent installation
- Structural modifications to existing precast roof panels
Each element had to be completed while production continued below.
Campbell Snacks' internal team understood the facility and its operational requirements. They needed a construction partner who could coordinate every moving piece while allowing their team to remain focused on running the plant. They turned to C.D. Smith to act as an extension of their team.
Planning Before Construction Began
The ProjectPlus team approached the project with detailed planning before construction started.
Structural engineering confirmed how roof openings would be created, reinforced, and sealed for long-term performance. Trade partners were coordinated early so everyone understood plant protocols, food-safety expectations and construction sequencing before work began.
That planning established the framework needed to complete the work without disrupting operations.
Containing Construction Inside an Active Facility
One of the project's biggest challenges was containment.
Custom-built temporary walls reaching nearly 30 feet high isolated the work area, protected active equipment, and prevented dust from migrating into production spaces.
Specialized scaffolding and access systems allowed completed, sealed boxes and pallet traffic to continue moving through the same work zone while construction progressed overhead.
Exterior crane and rigging work was carefully scheduled around facility activity to keep site traffic controlled and predictable.
None of this was visible from the production floor.
That was the point.
Why the Details Mattered
For Campbell Snacks, this wasn't simply an equipment upgrade.
It was about protecting food safety, maintaining air quality and avoiding downtime that could affect the entire facility.
Clear communication, disciplined scheduling and consistent onsite oversight allowed construction to move forward while production continued uninterrupted from start to finish.
"Having a partner who understood our operational constraints and could manage the construction details allowed our team to stay focused on running the facility."
Dan Laska
Engineering Manager
The Campbell's Company
Keeping Operations Moving
Manufacturing facilities rarely have the option to pause production while improvements are made.
Whether the work involves equipment replacement, infrastructure upgrades or critical building systems, success depends on planning, coordination and execution that fits around ongoing operations.
ProjectPlus helps facility owners complete projects safely while minimizing disruption to the people, processes and production that keep their facilities running.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can manufacturing facilities complete renovations without shutting down production?
With detailed planning, phased construction, temporary containment systems and close coordination between facility teams and construction partners, many critical upgrades can be completed while operations continue.
Why is containment important during food facility construction?
Containment helps prevent dust migration, protects active production areas and supports food safety while construction activities take place nearby. At the Campbell Snacks Franklin facility, custom-built temporary walls reaching nearly 30 feet high isolated the work area and allowed production to continue through the same zone.
What types of projects are suited for ProjectPlus?
ProjectPlus supports facility renovations, infrastructure improvements, equipment replacements, maintenance projects and other operational upgrades within active industrial and food manufacturing environments.
What is ProjectPlus?
ProjectPlus is C.D. Smith's dedicated team for smaller-scale and facilities-focused construction projects. The team responds quickly and delivers the same commitment to quality, safety and service as C.D. Smith's larger project teams, structured specifically for work that needs to happen quickly and with minimal disruption to business operations.
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Date: Spring 2026 | Author: Molly Haack
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Related Reading
- ProjectPlus, Powered by C.D. Smith
- Industrial Construction
- Food and Beverage Construction
- Beneath the Hard Hat® Magazine, Spring 2026
- Custom Construction Management for Healthcare, Education and Industrial Facilities
- Why C.D. Smith: Building Project Success Through Facilities Planning and Construction
