Siemens Capacity Increase in Beverage Production with Siemens Automation Platform

[Hasan S. Cemkan]

Siemens has partnered with DrinkPAK to implement integrated automation and energy infrastructure solutions at its high-capacity beverage filling facility in Fort Worth, Texas. This partnership is designed to deliver improvements in production efficiency, reliability, and energy usage.

### Integrated Automation for High Production Efficiency
DrinkPAK operates large-scale contract manufacturing facilities with a filling capacity of 3,000 cans per minute. With increasing demand, tightly integrated automation systems are required to ensure consistent quality and uninterrupted production continuity across different facilities.

The Fort Worth facility leverages Siemens' automation and energy technologies to support batch production, filling, testing, and distribution processes. This structure enables DrinkPAK to run standardized operations across its facilities in California, Texas, and Pennsylvania (planned).

### Recipe-Based Process Control
At the core of the implementation is Siemens' BRAUMAT process control system, designed for the brewing and beverage industry. The system automates recipe-based production flows, ensuring high quality and efficient process management.

BRAUMAT integrates PLCs and HMIs, providing real-time monitoring, reporting, and control capabilities. Operators can dynamically manage production parameters and scale production volumes from small to large.

### Energy Infrastructure and Smart Monitoring
Siemens has installed electrical distribution panels and metering systems, enabling real-time monitoring of energy usage. This allows for tracking and optimization of energy consumption.

Energy management adjusts power distribution according to operational needs to increase energy efficiency in facilities operating with continuously high production.

### Automated Internal Logistics and AGV Integration
DrinkPAK manages pallet movements and warehouse logistics with automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems provided by E80 Group. Siemens PLCs provide control and communication for these systems, enabling coordination between vehicles, sensors, and safety systems.

HMIs provide operators with system status and diagnostic information, supporting quick problem resolution and predictive maintenance strategies. This integration ensures a seamless connection between production lines and warehouse operations.

### Scalable Architecture for Multi-Facility Operations
The standardization of Siemens hardware and software ensures compatibility across production, logistics, and energy systems. This offers ease of maintenance and a structure open to growth.

The combination of automation, infrastructure, and financial solutions provides the advantages of phased expansion parallel to investment and system reliability.

### Results of Siemens and DrinkPAK Collaboration

• High-speed production capacity of up to 3,000 cans per minute
• Consistent quality with recipe-based BRAUMAT process control
• Real-time energy monitoring and optimization
• Automated internal logistics supported by AGVs
• Standardized and scalable automation infrastructure across multiple facilities

With this innovative automation platform, DrinkPAK is modernizing its beverage production operations while increasing efficiency and sustainability.