In 1990, Canada’s largest winery T.G. Bright & Co. Limited retained Ausenco to modernise its facility in Niagara Falls. The introduction of the North American Free Trade Agreement, as well as GATT changes, had put the Canadian Wine Industry in an increasingly competitive environment. A desire to remain globally competitive necessitated the modernisation at Brights, and the streamlining of its operation.
Before construction of the new 75,000 sq ft facility began, Ausenco provided a feasibility study to select the site and prepare capital cost estimates.
The new facility retained the best of the existing processing equipment, where possible and new stainless steel tanks were installed.
Additional state-of-the-art features included an overhead piping network, mechanised grape dumpers, high speed bottling lines and a modernised testing lab.
By consolidating various operations under one roof and upgrading equipment, increases in operating efficiency and real capacity were realised. This also led to a reduction in production delays.
Ausenco provided ongoing contact with the client from production to administration levels. Services extending from conceptual planning through design and startup were provided, and the fast-track project was completed on time and on budget.