A CUT
Our story is built on long-term success. Our core team was formed in 2011, with several members having worked together since 2005.
We offer high-value consulting and engineering services across Canada, with a specialization in high performance buildings for food production, meat processing, and distribution.
We understand the hygienic design requirements for buildings and infrastructure as specified by provincial regulations and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
We take pride in our ability to set ourselves apart from other engineering consultant firms with the following key aspects:
LONG-TERM CLIENTS |
THE TEAM |
FOOD & BEVERAGE SPECIALISTS |
OWNER DRIVEN |
METHOD OF DESIGN |
Long-Term Clients
We develop long-term relationships with clients, not only to assist with strategic, upfront master facility planning, but also in every stage of the execution of that plan. Our long-term partnerships speak volumes about customer satisfaction in completing quality results while meeting strict timelines at affordable costs.
THE TEAM
IFAB’s in-house team is expertly hand-selected to meet both the high speed and specific hygienic design requirements in the food sector, all in a highly collaborative environment. We have the breadth and depth for projects of all sizes. Our project managers, designers, and engineers have backgrounds in both plant operations and all main disciplines: buildings, interior design, structural, mechanical, electrical, and process. Plus, we genuinely enjoy working together!
THE PARTNERS
The Partners have worked together for many years, and present an excellent complement of skills.
JOE NAGY
Partner, CSO, Director of Business Development
Joe is known in the industrial food and beverage industry as an expert in food processing, specializing in meat processing from slaughter to finished goods in federally regulated establishments (beef, pork, and poultry). Joe also offers expertise in:
- Thermal vegetable processing
- Seafood processing
- Packaging
- Refrigeration methods and efficiencies
- Control systems design and diagnostics
Joe acts on behalf of clients to manage construction projects for all sizes of new facilities, renovations and additions, and most importantly, offers practical solutions for high value investments based on years of experience in maintenance and operations with major North American food companies.
RON USATY, P.Eng.
Partner, CEO, Director of Engineering
Ron has led many project and consulting teams on multimillion-dollar projects across North America, and has a reputation for both practical solutions and realism. His experience includes:
- Process layout and design of manufacturing facilities
- Evaluation of methods and equipment to be used for food processing systems
- Project management for facility design, renovation, construction, process start-up and troubleshooting
Ron is fully conversant with principles of design for food safety, commercial cooking, design of mechanical support systems (steam, compressed air, water, refrigeration) for food facilities, and the design of architectural building systems for industrial facilities to meet building code requirements. Ron is particularly sought out for his wide-ranging and current knowledge of the poultry industry.
HEATHER VANDER SCHAAF, PMP
Partner, COO, Director of Projects
Heather provides project and program management for projects of all sizes, and coaches other project managers. She leads integrated project teams from the early design concept through to construction in multiple sectors, including bakery, snack, food, meat processing specialties, and large warehouse distribution. Her specialities include:
- Process flow efficiency to maximize throughput
- Supply chain optimization
- Auditing and assessments of feasibility
- Tender documents and construction contracts
- Developing strategies for long term capital investment
Heather manages the company’s project systems development, including project controls, contract administration, and design integration management.
OUR
TEAM
IFAB is an ever growing team of talented industry professionals, carefully selected for abilities demonstrated technically, and as part of an integrated, collaborative design process. On staff we have engineers, process specialists, professional project managers, on-site field coordinators, interior designers, technicians for every discipline, and administration.
The knowledge and expertise of our staff related to the food business is unsurpassed. Not only are our designers familiar with the various applicable regulatory requirements – including CFIA, USDA, BRC, AMI, Campden, and HACCP – but also several of our team members have worked in the industry operations and understand the nuances of food and beverage processing.
We have great relationships with a vast industry network of equipment providers, contractors, and systems integrators. Our positive relationships across this network provide for state-of-the-art solutions, good pricing, and effective problem solving for any issue.
Owner Driven
IFAB’s business partners are active team members and experts in their fields. The talent and diversity of partners who come from engineering, construction, project management, and manufacturing backgrounds gives us a unique advantage over other engineering companies. As well, our organization is not muddled with levels of bureaucracy or hierarchy; clients know they are working with decision-makers and leaders, thus allowing for both maximum flexibility and utmost confidence.
Food & Beverage Specialists
We are not only well versed in the regulatory aspects of the food and beverage sector – including CFIA, BRC, AIB, Campden, and HACCP – but also have great relationships with the industry’s network of equipment providers, contractors, and systems integrators. Our positive relationships across the network provide for state-of-the-art solutions, realistic investment estimates, and effective problem solving for any issue. Food is not a sideline: it’s what we do.
Method of Design
Our methods include directly integrating with the client’s key stakeholders, including utilization of the latest technologies in design and engineering. We incorporate Live AutoCAD work in the conceptual design phase of projects. These sessions are dynamic in-person workshops where we adjust the general arrangement drawing and explore options together. The efficiency of these design sessions eliminate weeks of paper mark-ups and back-and-forth reviews, and promotes immediate visual feedback of concepts and designs. Time and again this has proven to be the single item that our clients reference as being the biggest influence on a project’s overall success.
THE IFAB
ADVANTAGE
- Dedicated, full spectrum team of professionals, with a solid understanding of hygienic design
- Continuous education on the latest industry innovations
- Leaders with years of experience working in food industry operations
- Integrated project planning and management – working together with clients to define the optimal team and approach for each unique investment
- Live AutoCAD to maximize design efficiency and review options
- Revit® building design software models for full building integration management
- Extensive global network
- Commitment to long-term growth