ALUMINUM CATWALK RENOVATION
WASHINGTON CHERRY GROWERS
Rebuilding a Showcase Catwalk to the Standard It Deserved
After seeing the results of our custom cherry flume project, Washington Cherry Growers called Elite Metal Fabrication back for another major project—this time to restore one of the facility’s showcase aluminum catwalk systems.
Sections of the catwalk had previously been removed to install new processing equipment and were later reinstalled with significant structural and finish-quality issues. The system had become weak and unstable, with misaligned sections, damaged tubing, broken welds, and handrails that fell well short of the quality the facility expected.
EMF determined that patching the existing work wasn't the right solution. We cut out the compromised fabrication and started from scratch. Our team designed and fabricated new heavy-duty rectangular-tube aluminum catwalk sections, custom-built to fit the existing facility while dramatically improving rigidity, alignment, strength, and appearance.
While completing the renovation, we also fabricated custom stainless framework to support additional catwalk sections over the sizing equipment, improving access for future maintenance and service.
To finish the project, EMF built custom seamless handrail on-site, allowing the railing to follow the facility precisely while maintaining a clean, continuous appearance.
The result was a catwalk system that was strong, straight, clean, functional, and something Washington Cherry Growers could be proud of again.
Rebuilt from the ground up. Strength restored. Quality elevated.
PHASE 1 REMOVE & RESET
We began by removing the existing damaged, unstable, and improperly fabricated catwalk sections. Rather than trying to repair work that didn’t meet our standards, EMF stripped the affected areas back and prepared the system for a proper rebuild.
PHASE 2 STAINLESS SUPPORT FRAMEWORK
Next, EMF fabricated and installed custom stainless-steel framework around the sizing equipment. The structure was designed to support the new catwalk while also serving as a lifting system for the sizing equipment, giving WCG better access for future maintenance and service.
PHASE 3 CUSTOM ALUMINUM CATWALK
With the framework in place, we fabricated custom EMF aluminum catwalk sections specifically for the existing layout. Each section was built for a precise fit with an emphasis on strength, rigidity, clean fitment, and long-term durability before being installed on site.
PHASE 4 CUSTOM SEAMLESS HANDRAIL
To finish the renovation, EMF custom bent and fabricated the aluminum handrail on site. The railing was built to follow the catwalk layout with minimal joints, then welded into place for a strong, clean, seamless finished appearance
SEE THE TRANSFORMATION — START TO FINISH
Take a closer look at the WCG catwalk renovation from initial teardown through final installation. Below, you’ll see the condition EMF was brought in to correct, the fabrication and installation process, and the finished system we delivered.
The existing work shown in the “Before” photos was not fabricated or installed by Elite Metal Fabrication.
Before
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
REMOVED
REMOVED
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF OWNER
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF
EMF