EPI Breads Case Study: Keeping a Commercial Bakery Operating Through Complex HVAC, Refrigeration & Mechanical Challenges
Customer
EPI Breads
Industry
Commercial Bakery / Food Manufacturing
The Challenge
When B.I.M.S. was first called to EPI Breads, the original request was to repair a warehouse unit heater. Like many of our long-term customers, the relationship began with a single service call.
Our technicians quickly diagnosed the problem, completed the repair, and demonstrated the technical knowledge and professionalism that EPI Breads had been looking for.
During that visit, the facility management explained they had been struggling with multiple contractors responsible for their HVAC, chiller, and refrigeration systems. Equipment reliability had become an ongoing challenge, and recurring breakdowns were disrupting production and creating unnecessary maintenance costs.
After seeing how B.I.M.S. handled the initial repair, they asked us to evaluate the rest of their mechanical systems.
The B.I.M.S. Solution
Over time, B.I.M.S. became a trusted mechanical partner for nearly every critical environmental system throughout the facility.
Our team began servicing and troubleshooting:
- Commercial HVAC systems
- Industrial chillers
- Commercial refrigeration systems
- Warehouse refrigeration equipment
- Bread proofers
- Retarder-proofers
- Warehouse unit heaters
- Exhaust fans
- Make-up air units
- Air curtains
- Split systems
- Building mechanical controls
Because food manufacturing depends on every system working together, we also assisted the customer beyond HVAC. When plumbing issues arose, we connected EPI Breads with a trusted plumbing contractor that we regularly work alongside, ensuring they received the same level of quality service across multiple trades.
Rather than focusing only on individual repairs, B.I.M.S. evaluated how each system affected the overall operation of the facility. We prioritized critical repairs, identified equipment that was nearing failure, and developed practical solutions that kept production operating while planning for long-term reliability.
Overcoming Years of Deferred Maintenance
Many of the systems throughout the facility had suffered from years of deferred maintenance and repeated temporary repairs. Some equipment was literally operating on borrowed time.
Keeping production running required more than routine service calls.
There were many nights when our technicians worked until 3:00 in the morning to restore critical equipment, only to return later that same morning to continue repairs and preventative maintenance. Our goal was never simply to repair equipment—it was to keep the customer's operation running.
The dedication of our technicians became so apparent that company executives questioned the number of hours being worked. Once they understood the condition of the equipment and saw the improvements in system reliability, it became clear that the extra effort was preventing costly production interruptions that previous contractors had been unable to avoid.
The Results
By taking ownership of the facility's mechanical systems, B.I.M.S. significantly improved equipment reliability throughout the plant.
The results included:
- Increased reliability of HVAC, refrigeration, and chiller systems.
- Reduced emergency equipment failures.
- Improved production uptime.
- Better temperature control throughout the facility.
- More dependable warehouse refrigeration.
- Improved operation of proofers and retarder-proofers.
- Faster response to critical service issues.
- Reduced downtime that could affect product quality and production schedules.
- A long-term maintenance strategy focused on preventing failures instead of simply reacting to them.
Most importantly, B.I.M.S. earned the trust of EPI Breads by consistently solving problems that had remained unresolved under previous contractors.
Why B.I.M.S. Is Different
Many commercial contractors focus only on repairing the piece of equipment that is broken.
B.I.M.S. focuses on keeping the entire facility operating.
Our technicians understand that manufacturing plants, bakeries, refrigerated warehouses, and industrial facilities cannot afford unnecessary downtime. We work with our customers to prioritize repairs, extend the life of aging equipment whenever practical, and develop long-term solutions that improve reliability while reducing operating costs.
Whether the issue involves commercial HVAC, industrial chillers, refrigeration systems, proofing equipment, warehouse heating, ventilation, make-up air units, exhaust systems, controls, or building automation, our goal is always the same: keep your operation running safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Why Customers Continue to Choose B.I.M.S.
Our customers know they can rely on us to:
- Solve difficult HVAC, refrigeration, and controls problems that other contractors have been unable to resolve.
- Keep aging systems operating safely until replacement becomes the right financial decision.
- Design long-term solutions that improve reliability and reduce operating costs.
- Respond quickly when production-critical equipment fails.
- Coordinate with other trusted trades when additional expertise is needed.
- Build lasting partnerships through honesty, technical expertise, and dependable service.
Need a Mechanical Contractor That Can Handle More Than Just HVAC?
B.I.M.S. provides commercial and industrial service for manufacturing facilities, food processing plants, bakeries, refrigerated warehouses, distribution centers, churches, office buildings, and commercial facilities throughout Texas.
Our expertise includes commercial HVAC, industrial chillers, commercial refrigeration, warehouse refrigeration, rooftop units, split systems, make-up air units, exhaust systems, unit heaters, boilers, controls, preventive maintenance, and energy-efficient system upgrades.
When keeping your facility online matters, B.I.M.S. delivers solutions—not excuses.