To lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) of invested equipment, it is essential for beverage producers to optimize productivity and performance across the entire lifecycle of their PET bottling lines. Sidel, the leading provider of production equipment and services for liquids in PET, has introduced new services for effective maintenance to help reduce costly downtime and turn it into profitable uptime.
For enabling beverage producers to optimize productivity, regular maintenance is required. When this is effectively carried out, it enables performance to be maintained or regained and even improved throughout the lifecycle of the equipment on the PET bottling line. This allows producers to reduce costs, maximize profitability and achieve the lowest TCO for their investment.
By adopting a preventive rather than reactive approach, equipment is monitored, allowing pre-planning of scheduled downtime to carry out all essential regular maintenance. Thereby the potential for long, costly and inconvenient shut downs and loss of production are limited. It also helps to ensure that production schedules and targets are achieved, with regular health checks helping to extend the longevity of the line. As important as recognizing the necessity of maintenance, is the choice of the type of maintenance undertaken and the provider chosen to carry it out. Sidel has introduced new dedicated maintenance services to reflect this importance.
Three-phased approach
The reasons for intervention in any line’s production performance can often be put down to three different causes – the need for a producer simply to maintain the line performing with its current efficiency; the need to regain production capability in the case of a breakdown; and the need to improve performance and or productivity.
Maintaining performance over any length of time generally requires the provision of service support such as diagnostic visits, spare parts supply, targeted skills training and regular, efficient maintenance work. Another important factor in the effective maintenance of a bottling line, whether for emergencies or normal wear and tear, is the need for the timely provision of original spare parts, ideally designed, tested and certified by the same engineers who designed the machine. Sidel is therefore also aiming to encourage a more proactive approach to inventory management among its customers.
