MMA Flooring for Food Production Facilities

26 April 2023
By Goran

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It will come as no surprise, but Australia is a country that values high levels of hygiene. So, it will similarly be of little surprise to know that in the food production industry, maintaining a hygienic and safe environment is of utmost importance. One of the key elements in ensuring this happens is selecting the correct type flooring surface across the production facility.

MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) flooring has become increasingly popular in commercial food production facilities due to its non-slip ratings, longevity, ease of cleaning, and price comparisons to other options.

Want to know why? Let’s take a look.

Superior Non-Slip Ratings

Arguably, one of the most important aspects of flooring in a commercial food production facility is its non-slip rating. After all, there is an abundance of foodstuffs, water, liquids, machinery oils, hot items and so on. These hazards need to be contended with – better still, mitigated – and the flooring choice plays a large part.

MMA flooring is known for its high slip resistance, which is a critical factor in minimizing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. In the food production industry, spills and wet surfaces are common, making a non-slip flooring solution essential. MMA flooring has a higher slip resistance – known as an r-rating –  than many other flooring types including epoxy, polyurethane, tiles, and vinyl. In addition, the slip resistance, the colour, the levels, and many other factors that an MMA floor offers can be customized according to the specific needs of the facility.

 

Longevity of MMA Flooring

Another important factor to consider when choosing flooring for a commercial food production facility is its longevity. Stopping production, even if it is only in one section of the facility, is a costly process. We recognise the time it can take for machines to cycle down or up, and there is the opportunity cost of stopping production. This means that you want a floor to last as long as possible, so you avoid having to stop production.

MMA flooring has a reputation for being one of the most durable flooring options available. It is resistant to chemicals, oils, and other substances commonly found in the food production industry, and which are known to cause damage to other types of flooring. Blood, lactic acids and other corrosive elements are common in a food production facility, so ensuring your floor covering is resistant to them is critical.

An added bonus is MMA flooring is also resistant to thermal shock, which is important in facilities where high temperatures are common. This durability means that MMA flooring is less likely to require replacement or repair, which will also save you money in the long run.

Ease of Cleaning MMA Flooring

Maintaining a hygienic environment in a food production facility is crucial. Whether it is washing down the surface as part of regular maintenance, or cleaning up spills, the flooring surface in the facility will inevitably play a significant role. The harder the surface is to clean, the worse the cleaning job could be, causing slip issues, or as critical, hygiene issues.

MMA flooring is easy to clean and maintain, making it an ideal option for commercial food production facilities. It can be cleaned with traditional cleaning solutions, and its seamless design ensures that there are no cracks or crevices for dirt and bacteria to accumulate. This also makes it easier to comply with strict hygiene standards, which are a requirement in the food production and services industry.

 

Price Comparisons

When it comes to choosing a flooring solution for a commercial food production facility, cost will always be a consideration. We admit, MMA flooring surfaces may be more expensive initially than other flooring options (such as epoxy, tiles, or vinyl), but its longevity and ease of maintenance can make it a cost-effective option in the long run. The cost of repairing or replacing other types of flooring can add up quickly, making MMA flooring a wise investment.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are other benefits to using MMA flooring in commercial food production facilities. One such benefit is its fast-curing time. MMA flooring can be installed and can cure quickly, which minimises downtime for the facility. As mentioned, this is particularly important in the food production industry, where time is of the essence. In large plants, the cost of downtime should always be considered in the overall cost of the project.

Another benefit of MMA flooring is its versatility. It can be customized to meet the specific needs of the facility, including its non-slip rating, colour, and texture. This customization allows facilities to create a flooring solution that not only meets their functional requirements but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the facility. Whilst you may not think aesthetics are important, the truth is, the reason is more than looks, it runs to the use of colours or textures to mark out different areas such as high-risk or unauthorised access areas.

A Final Thought

You may not think about your floors often, but when you do, MMA flooring is an excellent choice for commercial food production (and service) facilities in Australia. The critical factors of non-slip customisation, longevity, ease of cleaning, and price favourability as compared to other options make it a wise investment for facilities looking to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

As we tell our clients, while the initial cost may be higher than other options, its long-term durability and ease of maintenance make it a cost-effective solution. Additionally, its fast curing time and versatility make it a customizable option that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the facility. By choosing MMA flooring, commercial food production facilities can ensure that they are providing a safe and hygienic environment for their employees while also complying with strict industry standards.

If you would like to discuss how we can help with your facility, and what your options are, get in touch with the Remedial Building Services flooring team and we will come take a look.

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