Building a greenfield food or beverage processing plant? Or expanding your existing plant through a brownfield project? Then you have a lot to think about. So how can you increase your chances of completing your new plant on time, and within budget? First and foremost: doing it together with the right people is a good start.
Here are four key things to consider when choosing a supplier.
1. The supplier capabilities
When reviewing your options, one of the first things to consider is whether you should choose a minimal number of suppliers or go with a different supplier for every part of the project. The latter may offer certain advantages. Each specialised vendor can be very competent within their specific area of expertise. However, working with many suppliers comes with a fair share of challenges. It puts high demands on your project management skills, as things can easily fall through the cracks. For example, who will be responsible for managing the utility supply conditions – such as steam, ice water or compressed air – at interface points? And who will ensure that utility consumption is optimised? To make sure your new equipment works properly, utility connections need to be right. And will you be able to ensure that multiple, independent suppliers are complying with necessary regulations, as well as meeting your internal standards?
Make sure your choice has the competencies and expertise to be there for you throughout the entire process.
Reducing the number of suppliers you work with can save you a lot of time. Choosing a single processing vendor, for example, is a good way to streamline activities and improve efficiency. Just make sure your choice has the competencies and expertise to be there for you throughout the entire process.
Another aspect of a supplier’s capability is their experience within the food and beverage industry, for example dairy, beverage or cheese. Once you are up and running, it is helpful to have a long-term partner that knows the specific challenges and requirements of your business. A partner that can support you with continuous optimisation of your plant as well as maintenance, repairs and spare parts. Or even help you refine recipes and get the right ingredients for your products.
Furthermore, when evaluating a supplier’s capabilities in the food and beverage industry, it is not just a matter of individual people’s skills. It is also about the supplier’s collective knowledge and experience. Here’s a few questions to consider:
- Has the supplier ever successfully delivered a project with a similar size to yours?
- Does the supplier have a robust installed base and a local support network?
- Does the supplier have the knowledge and the portfolio to tailor solutions to your specific requirements?
Finally, is it important to choose a global player as your supplier? Well, maybe not. But if your local supplier also provides access to a vast range of global experts, you are not limited in terms of resources or innovation.
2. The supplier's overal offering
You know you need equipment that is built to last – robust and reliable; equipment that consistently and efficiently lets you manufacture your product at the level of quality your customers want. If your supplier has the capability to deliver end-to-end solutions, even better as this secures line and equipment integration and ensures flexibility for future needs.
The price tag of your equipment is a major consideration. But as with most things, the lowest upfront investment doesn’t always mean the lowest long-term cost. That’s where a solid total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis comes in. If your supplier can provide one, you’ll gain a clearer picture of the full lifecycle costs – from installation to maintenance and energy use. Keep in mind: equipment that uses less electricity and water, or generates less wastewater, doesn’t just lower your operating costs – it also helps reduce your environmental footprint.
It is also smart to think about flexibility – not just in your equipment, but in how your entire plant is designed. If you plan to scale up production in the future, your facility should be built with that in mind. Can your layout accommodate additional lines or upgraded machinery without major disruptions? Ensure the design is open for future growth – this will save you significant time and cost down the road.
(link to article ‘TCO – when external factors challenge you’)
A supplier with strong integration capabilities can help you aviod costly bottlenecks and keep your operations running efficiently as your need evolve.
Equally important is your supplier’s ability to support that flexibility. If your production setup includes – or may eventually include – equipment from multiple vendors, you’ll want a supplier who can ensure seamless integration and has the technical know-how to make everything work together smoothly. A supplier with strong integration capabilities can help you avoid costly bottlenecks and keep your operations running efficiently as your needs evolve.
Automation is another key part of making your operations smarter and more efficient. With the right digital tools, you can monitor performance in real time, improve traceability, reduce waste, and maintain consistent product quality as your needs evolve. To fully leverage these benefits, it’s important to work with a supplier that offers scalable, flexible solutions tailored to your production goals. That kind of support is essential for building a connected operation.
Finally, don’t overlook the practical side of installation, which has a very real impact on your equipment’s performance. Large equipment often needs to be assembled on-site, which can require specific preparations – like pouring a concrete pad to exact specifications or carefully coordinating multiple contractors and timelines. Understanding the requirements early in the process can help you avoid delays, unexpected costs, and last-minute headaches. Therefore, choose as supplier that demonstrates proven installation capabilities. For a more seamless experience, look for a supplier who is very familiar with the equipment you choose.
3. The supplier's ways of working
How does your supplier work to reduce risks and ensure a smooth project implementation? In other words: which processes and/or models are used, and how are they integrated into the different phases of the project – planning, building, commissioning and validation? A well-planned project implementation not only saves you time and stress. It also means you avoid unnecessary costs – because good project management keeps things on budget.
When planning a new plant, look for at partner who can help you design for food safety, effeciency and long term performance.
When planning a new plant, look for a partner who can help you design for food safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. Make sure they offer tools like 3D modelling, access to product experts, production simulation, and the ability to run product trials to validate your concept. Integrated production control should be part of the design from day one, enabling real-time data collection and full visibility into your operations. You’ll also want a team that works closely with your contractors to optimise layout, cleaning processes, and energy use – while validating performance through simulations and factory acceptance tests.
In addition to processes for quality assurance, it is also a good idea to look at the supplier’s policies and guiding documents for perspectives such as sustainability and occupational health and safety (OHS). Clear, well-documented guidelines for on-site OHS management should cover anything from risk mitigation and accident prevention to working conditions, including shift schedules and break intervals.
4. The supplier's ability to support in the long run
Is your supplier with you for the long run? When unexpected challenges arise, it is crucial to know that your supplier will actively work with you, and that they will support you through every step until your plant is fully operational, meeting its performance targets, and effectively producing the high-quality product you are aiming for.
Look for a supplier that provides proactive maintenance, system upgrades, and reliable to spart parts.
But the support shouldn’t end when your build is complete. A supplier that offers full-service support across the entire plant lifecycle does not just sell you a production solution, but also helps you maintain it, and keep it running at its best for years to come. Look for a supplier that provides proactive maintenance, system upgrades, and reliable access to spare parts. These services help you avoid costly downtime, improve efficiency, and get the most out of your investment.
In summary, look for a supplier that is truly in it for the long haul – one that offers training for your team, expert advice to continuously improve your processes, and flexible service plans that fit your business. A partner with a strong local presence can give you fast, dependable support when you need it most, backed by a team of global experts. And, ensure to find a supplier with proven experience planning, designing and installing plants.
Working with someone that brings this level of commitment and capability to the table means you can focus on growing your business, staying competitive, and delivering consistent quality to your customers.
