As manufacturing leaders elevate their standards not only in production but also in workplace experience, the role of food service is shifting. What was once a functional necessity is now becoming a strategic pillar of employee well-being, brand culture, and operational excellence.
This was the vision behind Santoni’s Shanghai campus—a project that set a new benchmark in the industry. Santoni, an Italian pioneer in circular knitting technology, sought to build a next-generation R&D and manufacturing center that integrated innovation and care into every detail, including food service.
To realize this vision, Santoni turned to Aden Services—a trusted partner in delivering comprehensive, digitally enabled food solutions. The result: a canteen that is not only operationally seamless, but a space of hospitality, wellness, and design-driven efficiency.
From Blueprint to Breakfast: A Full-Scope Food Services Journey
The Santoni project reflects Aden’s integrated approach to food service—from early-stage consulting and design to build-out and daily operation. This 360-degree model ensured that every decision made in planning translated into lasting value on the ground.
The project was delivered in three phases:
1. Concept & Design
- Tailored kitchen and dining layout aligned with Santoni’s Italian roots
- Space planning focused on flow, comfort, and operational logic
- Built-in flexibility to accommodate diverse culinary offerings
2. Construction & Fit-Out
- MEP coordination and equipment sourcing for long-term efficiency
- Full regulatory compliance and licensing
- Quality-focused project management ensuring on-time delivery
3. Daily Operations
- On-site nutritionist and menu planning for balanced offerings
- Rotating menus with European and Chinese fusion, plus a signature gelato bar
- Hospitality-trained staff ensuring a premium daily dining experience
This canteen quickly became more than a place to eat—it became a core space where employees connect, relax, and recharge. Its success is a case study in how infrastructure and service design, when done right, can shape culture and performance.
Elevating Design with Digital Engineering
A defining feature of the Santoni collaboration was the use of 3D digital engineering during the design phase. Aden’s team developed a full digital model of the kitchen and dining area, moving beyond 2D drawings to immersive planning.
This method empowered both client and contractor teams to: • Identify spatial inefficiencies and resolve bottlenecks
- Optimize staff workflows before operations begin
- Prevent costly change orders or retrofits during construction
“It might sound small, but that early insight is huge. It means no costly changes later, no functional compromises. It’s how you ensure smooth service and create a user-friendly space from day one.”
— Jeroen Caspar Vis, Head of Business Development, Aden Food Service
Redefining Workplace Dining: A Strategic Asset for Manufacturing Leaders
Santoni’s new campus is a testament to how thoughtful investment in food services can deliver impact far beyond the plate. It supports employee satisfaction, brand identity, and operational efficiency, while setting a new standard for what food spaces can offer in the high-end manufacturing sector.
For other manufacturers seeking to enhance their employee environment, the message is clear: food service is no longer a back-end function. It is a visible, strategic touchpoint—and a space where innovation can thrive.
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