1The Challenge
A premium ready meal manufacturer undergoing their annual BRCGS audit had identified a non-conformance related to the segregation of their high-care zone from the ambient preparation area. The existing partition was a standard plasterboard wall that had developed cracks in the finish, creating crevices that their hygiene team could not adequately clean. The BRCGS auditor required a documented remediation plan before the site could receive its Grade A recertification.
2Our Solution
Mercia Industrial replaced the cracked plasterboard wall with a wipeable, joint-free RapidFireWall system using blue food-grade PVC panels with no horizontal surfaces that could harbour contamination. The system was installed over a single weekend to minimise disruption to the production schedule. Mercia provided a full installation certificate, panel material specification sheets confirming EC 1935/2004 food contact compliance, and a cleaning protocol document prepared for inclusion in the site's HACCP documentation.
3The Outcome
The BRCGS recertification audit was passed with Grade A, with the auditor specifically noting the wipeable, crevice-free partition as a positive observation. The site has maintained its Grade A status at all subsequent audits. The blue panel colour has been effective as a visual aid for the team — any contact marks or contamination is immediately visible and promptly addressed.
“We were in a difficult position with our BRCGS audit. Mercia understood exactly what the auditor needed to see and delivered a partition solution with the documentation to match. We went from a non-conformance to a positive observation in the same area.”
— Quality Manager, Premium Ready Meal Manufacturer, Leeds
- Client
- Food and Beverage Leeds
- Location
- Leeds, West Yorkshire
- Industry
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing
- Product
- RapidFireWall