Looking for a Brewery/Distillery Manufacturer?

Checklist of Considerations

Spectac International has won many high-profile contracts in recent years to plan, fabricate, install and commission complete, automated Breweries and Distilleries. So we know what clients look for when choosing a supplier and happily we’ve been able to “tick all the boxes” successfully for numerous local and global brewery brands.

In this article we’ve put together a Checklist of Considerations for brewery clients and we outline how Spectac International meets and exceeds this criteria.

1. Expertise in the Fabrication of Stainless Steel Tanks, Vessels and Components

Whether you’re specifying a tank to replace an existing vessel or investing in a complete automated manufacturing facility, the level of spend can be considerable. So you’ll want to choose a supplier that represents a “safe pair of hands” and experience is essential.

Spectac International has been in this business since 1986 and we believe our expertise in relation to the manufacture of stainless steel tanks, vessels and other components is probably second-to-none in Ireland. We have all the relevant capabilities inhouse – see what our clients have to say about our level of expertise in this respect.

2. Specialist Sector Knowledge

Every sector has its own set of specialist requirements so it makes sense to choose a supplier that has worked extensively in the brewery market.

We’ve worked with breweries for over 30 years and customers include multi-nationals, local brands and craft brewers. Just some of the well-known brands we have worked successfully with over the years include Diageo, Smithwicks, Harp, Macardles and many more.

3. Experience in Delivering Complete Brewhouses

If you are developing a new brewery from scratch or looking to increase the capacity of an existing brewery by adding automation and additional vessels and facilities specifically to your needs, then you can choose to work with multiple suppliers or work with a specialist professional manufacturer with a robust team of engineers that can deliver a complete Brewhouse project in one full swoop. If you work with a variety of suppliers, then you’ll need to manage the relationships, integrate the timeframes and try to keep a handle on budgets which we know is a difficult task in itself.

Spectac International is the only company in Ireland to manufacture complete brewhouses, distilleries and other turnkey services in our different sectors such as Gin Stills etc and when a client company selects us as the sole supplier, they eliminate the time and risks involved in dealing with numerous parties. A single supplier also facilitates efficiencies and can offer a more cost-effective solution than would previously have been available to breweries.

Our quotation systems are detailed and we thoroughly go through every element in the design with the client at one of our numerous meetings throughout the project. We highlight the number of components and the type of professional services required to plan, fabricate, and install this as an efficient service.

4. Automation Expertise

PLC software support is an integral requirement in the implementation of automated brewing and if you’re implementing automated manufacturing, then proven expertise in programming, support and training in PLC software will be critical. Reference clients for this functionality are always a good source of re-assurance.

Our PLC Software Dept. offers a support package that includes

Recipe System
Full Overview Screens
Operation and Devices Management
ERP Integration Ready
NET web based reporting portal
Comprehensive trend package and batching reports

Spectac International has worked on a number of turnkey breweries which includes the integration of PLC Controls. Ultimately a key factor contributing to the success of any project was our in-depth planning process and we have developed a robust planning procedure for complete breweries that has proven to be an excellent template to manage these complex and intricate engineering projects.

5. Quality Standards and LEAN Manufacturing

Fabrication to the highest quality standards is essential and clients will want to work with a supplier that has been accredited with all the relevant certifications and ISO standards.

Spectac International is committed to delivering excellent quality work and we have secured all the relevant standards consistently over three decades. The company is registered and certified as ISO Occupational Health and Safety 18001:2007, ISO Quality Management Standard 9001:2008 and ISO Environmental Management Standard 14001:2004. We also operate to BSI and TUV quality and safety standards. Spectac International is Royal & Sun Alliance certified and the business is a corporate member of Engineers Ireland.

Lean manufacturing practices have also been integrated into our processes and we continue to drive efficiencies in this regard.

6. Supplier Capacity

You’ll need to assess whether the stainless steel fabrication specialist has the capacity to deliver on your Brewhouse requirements. Whether you’re looking for specific stainless steel components or a complete Brewhouse, sufficient capacity in terms of technical staff, space and equipment is important.

Last year Spectac International moved to a 44,000 sq. ft. facility with a high bay building – to facilitate the construction of larger vessels and tanks. The business has also invested heavily in the latest technology and equipment, for example we recently acquired an automated plasma seam welder – the only one of its kind in the Republic of Ireland – increasing production capacity and efficiencies considerably. And of course our team of loyal, local engineers, fabricators and technicians are highly skilled and many have worked on brewery and distillery projects for the company for over ten years.