Food industry roofing has its own unique challenges.

Progressive Roofing undertook these challenges with the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Oregon. Progressive Roofing worked with Garland Industries to develop a specification that would provide a long term solution. Due to the extent of previous issues, much of the existing wood deck planking was replaced. Logistics was another issue. Food industry production is very demanding with many government-mandated safety protocols. In addition, a food production facility cannot just shut down while a roof is being replaced. There are many economic factors involved including loss of revenue and laid-off workers. So roofing and construction materials had to be delivered carefully. Coordination between factory engineers and Progressive Roofing on logistics was done precisely and efficiently. This is not all. Another issue that Progressive and the Tillamook Cheese Factory had to consider was the weather patterns of this area in Oregon. Much of Oregon is covered by rainforest and there is a very small window during the summer between rain seasons to complete this type of project.  Progressive Roofing completed this project on time and within budget. 

A total of 45,000 square feet roof replacement consisted of a Garland 2-Ply SBS cold applied system.

Palmer said the 30,000-square-foot visitor center greets nearly a million visitors a year and most of them check out the ice cream counter. How could they not? With the smell of freshly-baked waffle cones drifting through the air inside the center. If you want to try more than just a double scoop, insulated bags are sold so you can take a sampling with you.

But the factory is more than just a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, it also can be a learning experience.

Taking a walking tour on the second floor of the facility gives you a bird’s eye view on how cheese is made. You can look down on the production floor through big windows where cheese is processed, inspected and packaged.

“A lot of people miss the two kiosks we have upstairs,” Palmer said. “They have touch screen televisions that give people lessons on how we make the cheese and the history of the cooperative. You can spend a lot of time up there if you are interested in what we do here.”

Palmer said that the information booths teach visitors how milk from cows throughout the Tillamook basin is used in their products and shows you things that you can see by just looking down at the vats.

“It’s a very cool feature if you have the time to spend learning about what we do here,” she said. “They are fairly new and we want to show people what we do here and how our products are made.” Read more