A major renovation project, this chocolate and confectionary plant spread over several buildings within an established downtown neighbourhood was an evolutionary process from new building site investigations to a detailed process investigation which resulted in a report recommending the renovation of the existing 75 year old facility. This was recommended on the basis of cost benefit and the retention of an existing neighbourhood skilled staff basis. The final project saved the now Cadbury Canada Co. more than $16 million (1980 $CAN).

When retrofitting and renovation began in January 1979, the candy company was faced with a number of problems. Wooden staircases and elevator shafts had to be upgraded and fireproofed. Also, the company sought to eliminate all wood and glass within the internal structural surfaces. Testing of various materials was carried out and ultimately a 3/4" continuous vinyl membrane flooring material was chosen which has performed well since installed. This resilient flooring material has resulted in a minimization of worker fatique due to the former hardwood flooring.

All process lines were re-designed and re-installed in phases to minimize the disruption of plant operations during the construction process. Strict time and cost scheduling as well as complex interlocking with marketing and production schedules were features of this project, which took 2 years to plan and 2 1/2 years to implement.

The renovated plant area and additions comprise approximately 280,000 SF on six operating floors of the building. The building's labour force is 600staff. All equipment and flooring materials colours were considered to address the quality of working life for this staff and all existing, reconditioned equipment as well as new equipment was coloured to provide a harmonious, light and pleasant working environment for the labour force.

Cadbury Integration and Removal of Ice Cream Production

In 1985 through 1990, Neilson took over Cadbury's operations. RSA were involved in the relocation of a number of production lines from the Whitby Plant to Gladstone Avenue in Toronto which involved process and building changes. After the removal of all ice-cream processing from Gladstone Avenue, the area was renovated to accommodate short term warehousing. Stage two of the renovation program at Gladstone involved the proposed renovations to executive areas, technical services, maintenance shops and staff support areas.