Automation Platform Scales Beverage Manufacturing Operations

Siemens is supporting DrinkPAK in automating its beverage manufacturing operations through a combination of process control, energy infrastructure, and intralogistics integration. The deployment at DrinkPAK’s Fort Worth facility is designed to improve throughput, reliability, and energy efficiency in high-speed canning environments.

High-throughput production requires integrated automation
DrinkPAK operates large-scale contract manufacturing facilities capable of producing up to 3,000 cans per minute. As demand increases, maintaining consistent quality and operational uptime across multiple sites requires tightly integrated automation systems.

The Fort Worth facility incorporates Siemens’ automation and infrastructure technologies to support batching, filling, testing, and distribution processes. This approach enables standardized operations across DrinkPAK’s expanding network, which includes facilities in California, Texas, and a planned site in Pennsylvania.

Process control with recipe-based automation
A central component of the implementation is Siemens’ BRAUMAT process control system, designed for the brewing and beverage industry. The system automates recipe-based production workflows, ensuring consistent product quality and efficient execution.

BRAUMAT integrates programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to provide real-time monitoring, reporting, and control. This architecture allows operators to manage production parameters dynamically, supporting scalability across both small and large production volumes.

By enabling structured and repeatable processes, the system contributes to a more efficient digital supply chain, where production data can be leveraged for optimization and traceability.

Energy infrastructure and intelligent power monitoring
In addition to automation, Siemens deployed electrical infrastructure including switchboards and metering systems to support plant operations. These systems enable real-time energy monitoring, allowing operators to track consumption and optimize energy usage.

Such integration supports energy-efficient production by aligning power distribution with operational demand, which is critical in facilities with continuous, high-output processes.

Automated intralogistics with AGV integration
DrinkPAK has implemented automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems, supplied by E80 Group, to manage pallet movement and warehouse logistics. Siemens’ PLCs provide control and communication functions for these systems, ensuring coordination between vehicles, sensors, and safety mechanisms.

HMIs offer operators visibility into system status and diagnostics, enabling faster issue resolution and supporting predictive maintenance strategies. This integration ensures smooth interaction between production lines and warehouse operations.

Scalable system architecture for multi-site operations
The use of standardized Siemens hardware and software across the facility enables interoperability between production, logistics, and energy systems. This consistency simplifies maintenance and supports scalability as DrinkPAK expands its operations.

The combination of automation, infrastructure, and financial solutions allows the company to align investment with operational performance, facilitating phased expansion while maintaining system reliability.

Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.