In boxing, a TKO indicates a technical knockout that officially ends the fight. For beverage manufacturers competing “in the ring,” it’s the TCO that drives much of the battle in regard to filling equipment. Achieving the best total cost of ownership (TCO) might help a beverage-maker “win” financially, but many other factors come into play that challenge operators to meet changing demands in the beverage market — both financially and operationally.
Better TCOs and quicker returns on investments (ROIs) are among the most common customer requests, says Barry Fenske, product manager for filling technology at Krones Inc., Franklin, Wis. However, these requests are joined by demand for flexibility, faster changeovers, down-weighting bottles and caps, and better efficiencies, he notes.