Friendly’s Corporation – Testing Laboratory Renovation

Location: Western Massachusetts
Property Type: Food Manufacturing / Laboratory
Timeline: July 2023 – August 2023
Size: 1,200 square feet

Project Overview:

Raymond R. Houle Construction was proud to reconnect with Friendly’s Corporation—a client that played a foundational role in the early history of our company. Before establishing our niche in healthcare and institutional construction, RHC traveled up and down the East Coast building Friendly’s franchise locations. This particular project, however, brought us close to home — and into a highly sensitive, sterile environment within Friendly’s manufacturing facility.

Our team was tasked with the full demolition and renovation of a testing laboratory that had not been updated since the 1950s. The scope included demolition of outdated systems and finishes, and the installation of new steel laboratory casework, epoxy countertops, and other critical infrastructure — all to be completed within a tight, one-month timeline.

Unique Challenges & Strategic Solutions:

  • Sterile Work Environment: Operating in the middle of an active food manufacturing facility required strict adherence to sanitation and cleanliness protocols at all times.

  • Aggressive Timeline: With only one month to complete the project, rapid material procurement — including specialty lab casework and epoxy surfaces — was critical.

  • Zero Disruption Mandate: All work had to be performed without disrupting plant operations, requiring close coordination and thoughtful sequencing.

Value Delivered:

  • Historic Partnership Reignited: It was a privilege to once again support the Friendly’s brand, bringing full circle a relationship that helped shape our company’s roots.

  • Flawless Execution in a Sensitive Setting: The project was delivered on time, to spec, and without incident, despite the constraints of working in a sterile and operational environment.

  • High-Quality Lab Modernization: The facility now features modern laboratory finishes and fixtures, tailored to support evolving food safety and testing needs.

Result:
The Friendly’s Testing Laboratory renovation stands as both a successful project and a meaningful return to our company's legacy. By meeting the client’s timeline and upholding strict operational standards, Raymond R. Houle Construction once again demonstrated our adaptability, attention to detail, and long-standing commitment to quality — no matter the setting.