In a plant, the bottom of the walls takes everything: hits from forklifts and pallet jacks, water from high-pressure washing, cleaning chemicals, pallets pushed too far. A concrete curb wall clad in stainless steel, set at the foot of the walls, solves these problems in one go.

1. What a stainless-clad concrete curb wall is

It is a concrete curb poured at the base of the wall, protected by a welded stainless steel sheet. Concrete provides mass and impact resistance. Stainless steel provides a smooth, washable surface that does not rust. At Alliance, we fabricate and install them to measure, with sealed TIG welds.

2. It extends the life of the building

• It absorbs impacts from forklifts and pallets instead of the walls, insulated panels and door frames.
• It keeps wash water away from the bottom of the walls, where it usually seeps into joints and panels.
• It resists cleaning chemicals and does not rust, unlike a painted steel curb.
• It prevents cracks in the walls, which let moisture in and become hard to clean.

These observations come from our field experience: a dented wall panel or a water-soaked wall base costs far more to repair, production downtime included, than a curb wall installed from the start.

3. It helps meet sanitary requirements

A well-built curb wall takes care of these points: a smooth, washable surface with no cracks, and a closed joint with the floor. A rounded cove between the curb and the floor is an industry best practice, even though no regulation requires it word for word.

4. It protects people

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends physical barriers, such as bollards or fences, to separate forklift traffic from pedestrians. A curb wall along a wall or an aisle plays the same role as a low, highly visible barrier.

5. A better-looking plant that is worth more

• A straight, clean line of stainless steel at the base of the walls gives a polished image to clients, auditors and inspectors.
• Walls stay straight and clean over the years, instead of piling up dents and repairs.
• Less damage means fewer repairs, less downtime and a building in better condition when it is time to sell or lease it.

In short

• Concrete takes the hits; stainless steel washes easily and does not rust.
• Walls and panels are protected from water and impacts.
• It is a simple way to meet CFIA, Health Canada and FDA requirements for washable, crack-free walls.
• Less damage: a building that lasts longer and keeps its value.

We design, fabricate and install stainless-clad concrete curb walls for food and pharmaceutical plants. This building work is done under our RBQ licence. Call us at 438-357-8800.

Sources

1. CFIA — Establishment checklist: cleanable, impervious walls and floors (French)
2. Health Canada — Good manufacturing practices, GUI-0001 (C.02.004, premises) (French)
3. Cornell LII — 21 CFR 117.20, Plant and grounds (FDA)
4. Health Canada — Policy on Listeria monocytogenes (2023), control measures (French)
5. CCOHS — Forklift trucks: traffic management

Photo: Unsplash. This article provides general information; it does not replace the manufacturer's requirements or your facility's risk assessment.