Mondelez International is a global leader in the snack industry, with operations in over 80 countries and a portfolio of beloved brands like Oreo, Cadbury, Toblerone, and Halls. As one of the largest confectionery businesses in Southern Africa, Mondelez plays a crucial role in the region’s food manufacturing sector.
At its manufacturing and processing plant in eSwatini, Mondelez produces iconic brands such as Chappies bubble gum and Halls. To ensure uninterrupted operations and protect its workforce, assets, and production lines, the company required a high-performance fire protection system. This is where Cross Fire Management and SBS Tanks stepped in, providing a world-class fire protection solution.
Working closely with Cross Fire Management, the fire consultants on the project, SBS Tanks supplied and installed two ST17/05 fire protection tanks, each with a capacity of 602kl – providing a total of 1.2ML of water storage. Find the right Fire Tank Model for you, here.
The Mondelez facility required a highly reliable, regulation-compliant fire protection water storage system to meet its operational safety standards. Cross Fire Management and SBS Tanks provided a custom-engineered, bolted steel fire tank solution that delivered:
• Quick Installation – Tanks were installed efficiently to align with Mondelez’s project timelines.
• Durability & Longevity – A high-tensile steel structure with a reinforced PVC liner, ensures 60+ years of service life with minimal maintenance.
• Fast Water Access – Equipped with large ASIB-certified anti-vortex outlets, allowing immediate, high-speed water flow in the event of a fire emergency.
• Health & Safety Compliance – Designed to align with local and international fire safety regulations, ensuring a workplace protection system that is “always on, always ready.”
With a single pump house servicing both tanks, the system was designed to deliver over 1ML of fire water storage, meeting stringent fire safety requirements while ensuring operational resilience for the factory.
The SBS Tanks installation team executed the tank construction process with precision, ensuring that all fire safety components were properly integrated. Key steps included:
• Site Preparation & Ring Beam Checks – The installation team conducted rigorous foundation inspections to ensure the tanks were installed on a perfectly level surface and had sufficient space for the SBS jacking system to be deployed.
• Tank Assembly & Jacking System Installation – Using SBS’s innovative jacking method, the tanks were built ring by ring from the top down, minimising safety risks and expediting the construction process.
• Nozzle & Pipework Alignment – Collaboration with Cross Fire Management and Mondelez’s engineers ensured that the nozzle placements on the tank perfectly aligned with as-built pipework at the facility, reducing installation complexities.
• Liner Seating & Commissioning – Leak testing was carried out using tanker-supplied water, as on-site pipework contractors faced delays. The liner seating process was meticulously executed to eliminate folds or tension from poor positioning, ensuring optimal performance once the tanks were fully commissioned.
Despite a few days of weather-related delays, the installation was completed on schedule, meeting all quality control (QCP) and safety hold points. The system was then subjected to multi-stage water fill testing (with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% full hold points), ensuring zero leaks before final anchor securing.
Each SBS ST17/05 tank features:
• High-capacity storage – 604kl gross, 549kl effective capacity per tank.
• Fast-response fire suppression – ASIB-certified anti-vortex outlets allow rapid suction for firefighting.
• Cooling & Test Return Systems – Built to support regular fire safety testing and compliance.
• Safety-Focused Design – Lockable tank access hatches, ladder safety cages, and installer escape hatch ensures operational safety.
• ISO 9001 & ISO 45001 Certified Manufacturing – Tanks were manufactured following strict industry regulations to meet both local and international standards.
The successful deployment of these fire protection tanks has significantly strengthened Mondelez’s fire safety infrastructure, ensuring:
• Regulatory Compliance – The tanks meet local eSwatini fire regulations and global fire protection best practices.
• Operational Reliability – The factory now has a robust fire water supply, reducing risk and protecting business continuity.
• Asset & Workforce Protection – The installation enhances employee safety and safeguards valuable factory equipment.
With Mondelez commending the project’s speed and adherence to safety protocols, the installation is a testament to the expertise and collaboration between Cross Fire Management and SBS Tanks in delivering world-class fire protection solutions.
The Mondelez fire protection project exemplifies SBS Tanks’ core values of “Build for Better” and “Work Smart”. By delivering a premium, safety-compliant water storage system, SBS Tanks ensures that Mondelez remains protected, operational, and compliant with international fire safety standards.
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SBS Tanks is Africa’s leading manufacturer and supplier of modular steel panel water storage tanks fitted with an internal liquid storage liner. With offices in Durban, Johannesburg & Cape Town, our factory services all provinces within South Africa and the SADC region. With ISO accreditation (ISO 45001 and ISO 9001) collaborating with a trusted supplier like SBS Tanks East Africa, can offer professional advice and a variety of premium tank alternatives to satisfy your various needs.
Contact Shaun, HOD Global Exports or the sales team today and simply Request a quote here.
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