Riviana Foods Manufacturing Expansion

To meet growing consumer demand for ready-to-eat rice products, Riviana Foods partnered with SSR to expand and modernize its Memphis manufacturing facility. As a leading producer of packaged rice products, Riviana sought to increase production capacity by introducing new retort processing systems and transforming underutilized portions of its existing facility into manufacturing space. SSR served as the lead design consultant, providing integrated civil, structural, industrial process, and MEP engineering services to support the expansion.  

Working within an active food production facility, SSR helped convert existing warehouse space into manufacturing areas while also expanding the building footprint. The project required close coordination across disciplines to accommodate complex process equipment, maintain facility operations, and support future growth plans.  

Civil Site Design 

SSR’s civil team redesigned the site’s circulation and infrastructure to support the facility expansion while improving long-term operational efficiency. Services included modifications to parking areas, truck circulation routes, employee parking, grading, drainage, and site access. Working within a constrained industrial site filled with existing utilities and easements, the team developed solutions that accommodated both immediate operational needs and anticipated future expansion phases. SSR also designed infrastructure improvements to address existing drainage challenges and support the expanded facility footprint.  

Structural Engineering 

The structural scope involved extensive modifications within the existing facility to accommodate new food production systems and sterilization requirements. SSR designed custom stainless-steel mezzanines, walkable suspended ceiling systems, equipment supports, elevator modifications, foundations, and slab improvements throughout the production area. The team analyzed existing structures to support new loads, including large rooftop mechanical units, suspended process systems, and specialized food manufacturing components while meeting the seismic requirements unique to the Memphis region. The result was a highly coordinated structural solution that enhanced functionality without disrupting ongoing plant operations.  

Industrial Process Engineering 

SSR’s industrial process engineers supported the integration of Riviana’s new retort cooking systems, which are used to cook, sterilize, and package ready-to-eat rice products. The team performed steam system analysis and pipe stress analysis to support the expanded production capabilities. SSR also evaluated cooling water systems, including chillers and storage infrastructure required for the retort process, helping ensure the facility could reliably support increased production demands while maintaining product quality and food safety standards.  

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Engineering 

Our MEP team developed solutions that integrated new manufacturing processes within the constraints of the existing facility. Mechanical designs supported stringent air change and environmental control requirements necessary for food production spaces, while electrical systems were carefully integrated into the plant’s existing infrastructure to provide power for new equipment without requiring major electrical room expansions. The coordinated design allowed Riviana to maximize available space while supporting the operational demands of the new manufacturing lines.  

The Value of SSR One 

The Riviana Foods expansion highlights the value of SSR One. By delivering civil, structural, industrial process, and MEP engineering under a single team, SSR provided coordinated solutions that balanced manufacturing requirements, facility constraints, sterilization standards, and future growth objectives. Serving as the lead design consultant, SSR guided the project from concept through construction documentation, helping Riviana transform existing space into a modern food production environment capable of supporting increased demand and long-term operational success.