3 Questions to Ask When You’re Ready to Ramp Up Craft Beverage Production

April 25, 2024

When your craft brew or beverage becomes the talk of the town, it’s a spirited journey—one that inevitably leads to ideas about scaling up production. MCE’s distributors and integrators help small business owners navigate the next leap forward in production. Here are some key questions (and answers) that often bubble forth in conversations with craft beverage makers interested in taking their production next-level.

#1. Where are the bottlenecks in production?

Identifying holdups is a good start for line improvements, and with craft brewing and beverages, it’s often before or after the filler, and at the labeler. An accumulation solution such as a rotary accumulation table or reflow accumulation table allows the filler to keep running while labels are being switched or maintenance is performed. The end result is greater control over product flow, which enables brewers and beverage makers to optimize production output. 

#2. How are elevation changes handled?

Elevation changes such as the transfer from the depalletizer to the rinser are also an opportunity for line improvement. Conveyor elevators and spirals can eliminate manual work in elevating or lowering product and create a steady, non-stop production flow. Some have a built-in second function, such as a gripper rinser, which elevates or lowers bottles or cans and rinses them using ionized air or water. The end results are time savings, reduction of manual labor, and a more cost-effective alternative to rinsing with water.

#3. Could end-of-line automation benefit your business?

The transfer of product in cases to the palletizer is another point where conveyors can help smaller craft brewers and beverage makers easily ramp up. An Activated Roller Belt™ (ARB) automates movement of cases, boxes and cartons to reduce manual work and provide more control over product flow. ARBs use innovative technology that simplifies the conveyor equipment, reduces its cost, and increases its reliability. Like accumulation solutions, ARB conveyors can be a stand-alone purchase and are easily integrated with the production line.

Bonus question: Do you have a trusted local expert you can call? When you’re focused on fermentation and flavor, it’s nice to have someone who can guide you through upgrades to your materials handling capabilities. MCE’s network of distributors and integrators stretches nationwide to offer local solutions for scaling up production. These experts are a single source for doing it all, from planning line improvements to installing and integrating turnkey solutions. You can find your MCE distributor here, or by calling 844-293-2816.