Tetra Pak’s First Polish Production Plant

In 2015, multinational food packaging and processing company, Tetra Pak, acquired OBRAM S.A., a leader in technological solutions and equipment development for cheese production in central and eastern Europe. Since OBRAM’s operating facility in Olsztyn required modernization, it was decided to construct a new plant with sales, engineering and manufacturing for cheese production solutions at a new location near the newly constructed Olsztyn bypass road. 

WSP was appointed by Tetra Pak under an EPCM contract to manage all aspects of the engineering for the project. We invited Foroom Architects to collaborate on the concept design, permitting, tender and detailed design for the multidisciplinary scope of services. We also provided construction management and assisted our client with environmental permitting. 

Work on the project commenced in late 2016, with the entire design done in Autodesk RevitTM to facilitate multidisciplinary coordination and for easier and more effective clash detection. All disciplines worked together in one office, coordinated by the WSP project manager for optimum communication. This assisted in the efficient delivery of a project constructed under a challenging time schedule with high site safety requirements.  

In keeping with Tetra Pak’s strict requirements for energy efficiency and sustainability, WSP devised a system of recovering heat from the compressors used in the production process to heat the facility’s domestic water. As part of the façade, external horizontal blinds form an automated shading system to keep the offices cool on hot sunny days, while in the winter or when it is cloudy, the louvers open to allow natural light into the work areas. A rainwater collection system provides water for site maintenance. These solutions contributed to the award of BREEAM In-Use Certification with a rating of Excellent. 

Open plan offices with movable partitions allow flexibility for future office configurations. 

Completed in 2019, Tetra Pak’s EUR25m investment in the 12,000m² site, which employs over 350 staff, has provided the firm with a strategic base from which to strengthen its position throughout the eastern EU and also in the wider market outside the EU.