Siemens Siemens and DrinkPAK's Growth and Digitalization in Manufacturing Plant Automation

[Elif Özaksu]

Siemens is collaborating with DrinkPAK, one of North America's largest canned beverage manufacturers, on the automation of its new production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Through a combination of advanced automation, intelligent infrastructure, and tailored financial solutions, Siemens is enabling DrinkPAK to scale its operations, increase energy efficiency, and make sustainable decisions.

DrinkPAK operates high-capacity production facilities across North America, including Santa Clarita (California) and Fort Worth (Texas). These facilities, capable of producing up to 3,000 cans per minute, are among the largest canned contract manufacturing centers in the US. The company aims to establish a fast and flexible continent-spanning production network by opening its third facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in early 2027.

### Siemens and DrinkPAK Collaboration

Brian Aster, DrinkPAK's Director of Strategy, states that the partnership with Siemens provides flexibility in rapidly scaling and investing in energy-efficient automation. Siemens' industry expertise and customized financial solutions play a critical role in the company's growth and long-term success.

Siemens offers digital automation and building infrastructure solutions, including the scalable production control system called BRAUMAT. BRAUMAT enables automated and recipe-based production for the brewing and beverage industry, ensuring consistent quality and operational efficiency. It provides real-time monitoring, reporting, and secure development capabilities with components such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).

### Technologies at the Fort Worth Facility

Siemens provided comprehensive solutions integrating the plant's energy infrastructure and automation systems. Turnkey main distribution panels and metering systems feed critical operations while ensuring high performance and energy efficiency through intelligent power monitoring.

Furthermore, the Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) used in DrinkPAK's warehouses are equipped with Siemens' PLC and HMI technologies. These vehicles automate pallet movements and are involved in loading and unloading processes. PLCs ensure precise coordination with sensors, drives, and safety systems, while operators can monitor system status and plan maintenance in advance via HMIs.

### Technical Specifications

• BRAUMAT: Scalable process control system for the beverage industry
• PLC and HMI integration: Real-time monitoring and control
• Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems
• Main distribution panels and energy meters
• Intelligent power and performance monitoring
• Energy efficiency and sustainable production support system

Siemens Financial Services provides DrinkPAK with flexible financing solutions, optimizing the return on investments. Thanks to this comprehensive automation and digital infrastructure, DrinkPAK can execute production processes with maximum efficiency and respond quickly and reliably to customer demands.

Chris Stevens, President of Siemens Digital Industries, emphasizes that this collaboration yields tangible results through digital transformation, enhancing production efficiency, reliability, and occupational safety.