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The maintenance function in beverage facilities is, and always will be, a major contributor to success and profitability. The operational activities within the entire beverage supply chain, from processing raw materials to finished product delivery, usually require the maintenance function to perform effectively, efficiently and economically at the highest possible levels.

Whether planning an expansion or a new facility, the ever-evolving beverage industry necessitates that those involved evolve with it. With trends like SKU proliferation and sustainability impacting the overall beverage industry, a slew of decisions need to be made when planning construction.

In 1948, Fred Kalil and his father opened the doors to Kalil Bottling Co. in Tucson, Ariz. The father-son team ran the company until it was handed down to Fred Kalil’s two sons, George and John, who now lead the bottling company and employ fourth-generation family members — making it not only a business, but a family tradition. 

Consumers’ demands for sustainability, as well as a societal drive to “go green,” have impacted the beverage industry in many ways. As companies within the beverage market increase their awareness and actively push to make their products and facilities more eco-friendly, suppliers across all areas of the industry have accommodated, and conveyors are no exception.

Time is taken for granted in most industries. However, recognition must be given to the age-old cliché that time is money, and money can hardly be taken for granted, especially in beverage operations. From an operations viewpoint, time is inescapable and plays a prominent role in the beverage industry.

The infamous supply chain moniker, with all the definitions, variations, interpretations and applications, has for all intents and purposes replaced the relatively simplistic, old-fashioned production planning and scheduling approach.

With the memorable theme song opening of “shlemiel, SCHLEMAZEL!, Hasenpfeffer Incorporated,” TV’s “Laverne and Shirley,” closes with the two friends “doing it their way” on the bottling line of Milwaukee’s fictitious Shotz Brewery. Although manufacturing facilities’ beer-capping lines have changed, speed, ease-of-use and flexibility are paramount for today’s processing automation equipment.

Current global beverage business conditions have had a significant impact on operating and capital budgets in all industry segments, including the supply chain. Why has this occurred? What has actually happened? How has the industry addressed the results from the changing conditions? What suggestions might be appropriate and helpful?

Chicago-based Mintel’s Global New Products Database shows that between January 2015 and January 2016, 5,226 new beverages were launched in North America.