Poor Floor Pitch Causes Sanitation Issues

Improving Sanitation and Safety for a Wisconsin Cheese Manufacturer

Challenge:

A Wisconsin cheese manufacturer recently installed new drains to improve sanitation but faced an unexpected issue — the existing flooring wasn’t properly pitched, causing water to pool and making cleanup difficult. The uneven surfaces also posed a potential safety risk for workers.

Solution:

Crane Engineering’s Corrosion Resistant Products (CRP) team was brought in to evaluate and fix the problem. After assessing the site, the team implemented a full resurfacing solution:

• Scarified the floor to remove existing coatings and ensure proper adhesion
• Installed a flexible, mesh-reinforced epoxy base to prevent cracking from dryer vibrations
• Trowel-applied an epoxy mortar to fill low spots and create a precise pitch toward the drains
• Finished with a durable, non-skid epoxy sealer to enhance safety

Results:

The newly pitched and sealed floor dramatically improved cleanability and drainage, helping the plant meet strict sanitation requirements.

• Improved sanitation: Proper slope ensures full drainage and easier cleaning
• Enhanced safety: Non-skid surface reduces slip hazards
• No disruption: Entire project completed over a weekend to avoid production downtime

Crane Engineering delivered a fast, durable flooring solution that supports both food safety and worker protection — without interrupting operations.