Restoring Reliability On The Canning Line

Craft Brewery Equipment Solutions: MITRPAK’s Impact

During a routine canning day, as the canning line inched toward its two millionth can, the brewing operations faced a sudden mechanical setback that brought the process to a grinding halt. The immediate diagnosis was concerning; the gearbox had suffered a significant break. This wasn’t just a minor glitch— it presented a potential ripple effect that would impact their entire production schedule.

Knowing a halt in their production due to a gearbox malfunction would disrupt taproom operations, they contacted the gearbox experts at MITRPAK in search of a fast solution. Ed Burch, a seasoned MITRPAK employee-owner with an extensive background in gear drives, immediately took the helm. He understood the urgency of the situation and quickly sourced a replacement gearbox identical to the original model. The MITRPAK right angle gearbox was a direct fit for their Codi 6-head canning machine, minimizing the likelihood of extended downtime. The replacement was in the hands of the Icarus team in under 24 hours, preventing a potentially catastrophic delay in their tight production schedule.

Within the canning mechanism, the gearbox assumes a pivotal role. It handles the vertical shaft operation, spinning a cog attached to a belt that propels an auger through the machine. This process is vital for efficiently filling and sealing the cans, and any deviation can result in reduced throughput and consistency. Given that the canning line is frequently repositioned due to space constraints, the durable MITRPAK gearbox was the perfect component to ensure strength and durability without compromising performance. 

However, the support from MITRPAK continued beyond expedited gearbox replacement. MITRPAK’s team delved deeper into the operational environment of Icarus Brewing’s canning line. They determined that this model, though physically compatible, wasn’t ideally suited for a brewery’s demanding conditions—namely, the caustic washdowns and the consistently wet and challenging environment of the canning process.

In response to this insight, MITRPAK took a proactive step. They recommended a model designed specifically for food and beverage processing with food-grade lubrication and double seals that would fit the existing gearbox footprint and better withstand the challenging conditions of typical brewery operations. With a better gearbox for canning operations in hand, company president John Biagioni and Director of Engineering Rick Caponi set out to visit Icarus Brewing in person. Once the part was delivered, they enjoyed a tour of the operations and a frosty beverage— all in the name of due diligence, of course!

The precision engineering of MITRPAK® gearboxes, featuring adjustable lock nuts for precise adjustments, enhances the canning line’s reliability and extends its operational life, reducing downtime and maintenance demands. Furthermore, the gearbox’s ability to withstand extreme cleaning methods protects the investment and ensures consistent, high-quality output. This transition to a food-safe MITRPAK gearbox marks a small yet significant step forward for Icarus Brewing, driving efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and, ultimately, reinforcing their reputation for quality and safety in the competitive craft beer market.

Custom Gearboxes for Food and Beverage Processing

The initial replacement unit allowed Icarus Brewing to resume production schedules without missing a beat. This rapid response underscored MITRPAK’s commitment to their clients’ immediate needs. Yet, by identifying and supplying a more suitable sealed model for future use, MITRPAK demonstrated a deeper level of support, focusing on both the urgent need and the long-term success of Icarus Brewing’s operations.

Upon integrating the new MITRPAK gearbox, Icarus Brewing saw an immediate restoration of production efficiency. The canning line exhibited no lag or reduction in speed, allowing the team to resume their demanding production schedule with minimal delay. This rapid bounce-back is a clear demonstration of the efficacy of the MITRPAK unit. It highlights the importance of choosing components that are functionally robust and supported by the manufacturer in dire situations.

Any disruptions in machinery, especially in a setting as streamlined as Icarus Brewing, can lead to cascading bottlenecks, jeopardizing production schedules and output. In this context, the seamless integration of the MITRPAK gearbox underscored its reliability and its crucial role in ensuring that production continued unhindered.

Craft Brewery Equipment Solutions: MITRPAK’s Impact

With their minds set on the future, Icarus Brewing is looking at plans for expanding operations. This impending growth underscores the need for machinery and components that can sustain and boost their current efficiency levels. The integration of the initial MITRPAK gearbox enabled Icarus Brewing to resume production right away. This seamless transition was a testament to MITRPAK’s quick and effective response. But the story didn’t end there; the anticipation of integrating a gearbox model better suited to the brewery’s wet environment adds a layer of operational security and efficiency for the future.

This two-pronged approach to support from MITRPAK—addressing both the immediate need and providing a longer-term solution—highlights the importance of selecting machine components specifically tailored to meet the unique demands of the application. For Icarus Brewing, this means not only can they trust in the reliability of their machinery today, but they can also look forward to enhanced operational stability and efficiency with the upgraded right-angle gearbox.

In environments as dynamic and demanding as that of Icarus Brewing, the right support can make all the difference. MITRPAK’s approach—swift action followed by thoughtful, customized solutions—exemplifies a partnership that goes beyond mere transactional interactions, aiming instead for enduring reliability and success.