In this sit down with Tom Lex, we dive into what industry trends he believes are affecting beverage processing and what the future holds for TechniBlend and ProBrew.
What are the major trends we are currently seeing in the beverage industry, and how do you think they will shape the market over the next 5 to 10 years?
Tom Lex: Over the last several years, we’ve seen that traditional carbonated soft drink (CSD) customers no longer fit into a “one size fits all” category. In the past, there were high runners throughout the industry, but today, trends are changing rapidly and often short-lived. Beverage manufacturers need to be agile, and this means having equipment that can quickly adapt. There’s a growing need for smaller production runs, and technology for faster changeovers is crucial. It’s not just about high-volume CSDs anymore—there’s a wide variety of new beverages with different flavors, and this is impacting how OEMs, manufacturers, and marketers operate.
Sustainability has become a crucial factor in manufacturing. How is TechniBlend addressing the growing demand for environmentally friendly processes and technologies?
Tom Lex: TechniBlend has always prioritized sustainability. Water reduction has always been a major focus, and energy savings as well. One of our innovations was the implementation of dry vacuum pumps, which eliminated the water wasted in traditional liquid ring pumps. We’ve also optimized the rinsing processes during changeovers. For instance, depending on which products are loaded into the recipe editor and their degree of pungency, we automatically adjust the rinse time to only use the water necessary to remove any residual flavor. This is different from the past as traditionally most systems had a fixed rinse time between all flavor changes. This allows our customers to save water and energy. Additionally, we are exploring technology which can reduce chemical usage and rinse times in the CIP processes, further enhancing sustainability.
Consumer preferences are shifting rapidly, with a rise in demand for healthier and functional beverages. How is TechniBlend adapting its technology to meet these evolving consumer needs?
Tom Lex: We’re seeing consumers demanding more than just hydration. They’re looking for beverages that provide health benefits, such as vitamins, probiotics, and supplements for immune and gut health. TechniBlend is preparing for this by designing equipment that can microdose these ingredients. We’re also retrofitting existing machines to accommodate these trends, ensuring manufacturers can adjust quickly to changes in consumer preferences without needing entirely new systems.
What technological innovations are you most excited about in the beverage processing industry, and how is TechniBlend positioning itself at the forefront of these advancements?
Tom Lex: TechniBlend has been at the forefront of innovation for 16 years, and some of the most exciting developments we’re working on are also the most challenging. One example is our TA blending device for low-brix/Diet beverages, which helps ensure high-quality output and maximizes syrup yield. Another exciting technology is our nanobubble carbonation system. This significantly reduces the energy needed for CO2 injection and beverage chilling, while also eliminating the need for tunnel warmers, saving both energy and space.
Automation and efficiency are key to maintaining competitiveness. What steps is TechniBlend taking to enhance these aspects in its product offerings?
Tom Lex: We’ve integrated analytics and automation into our equipment to improve efficiency. For example, we track the entire blending process, from syrup room operations to filler performance, and provide data analytics to customers. This allows us to identify bottlenecks, like waiting for operators to press buttons, and helps optimize the entire production line, not just our equipment. These insights are invaluable in reducing downtime and improving changeover times, particularly for customers dealing with shorter production runs.
The global supply chain has faced significant challenges in recent years. How has TechniBlend navigated these issues, and what strategies have you implemented to ensure consistent product delivery?
Tom Lex: During the global supply chain crisis, especially during COVID, we anticipated the challenges and took proactive steps. We increased inventory and established preferred supplier agreements to ensure a steady supply of components. These agreements allowed our vendors to hold stock, reducing the burden on us while maintaining availability. As a result, we didn’t miss a single delivery deadline due to waiting on components, even as other companies struggled with extended lead times.
Digital transformation is impacting all industries. How is TechniBlend leveraging digital tools and data analytics to improve its processes and customer experience?
Tom Lex: In 2019, we began integrating remote connectivity into all our equipment. This has two main benefits: it allows us to assist customers quickly, reducing the need for expensive service visits, and it enables us to monitor the equipment in real-time, offering remote training or troubleshooting. We can also help customers activate features they may not have initially used, ensuring they get the most out of their equipment.
Regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. How does TechniBlend ensure its equipment and processes meet these evolving standards across different markets?
Tom Lex: We take compliance very seriously. We have a UL-certifiable panel shop that is audited regularly, and we follow local codes, including CSA compliance for Canadian markets. We also consult with experts in specific industries, such as spirits and hazardous environments, to ensure our equipment meets all necessary safety standards.
How important are partnerships and collaborations in TechniBlend’s strategy, and what types of partnerships do you see as critical for driving future innovation and growth?
Tom Lex: Partnerships with our customers are essential. Many of our innovations come from direct feedback from the people using our equipment. Maintaining strong relationships allows us to understand their pain points and develop solutions that drive the industry forward. Staying close to customers is crucial for continuous improvement and innovation.
Looking ahead, what are your strategic priorities for TechniBlend in the next three to five years, and where do you see the most significant growth opportunities?
Tom Lex: We’re focusing on leveraging our growing engineering team to explore new products and industries. We’re expanding our reach into sectors like personal care, liquid foods, and household chemicals by offering our process and automation expertise. Another key growth area is offering controls as a standalone product, allowing us to enter industries that might not need our traditional equipment but could benefit from our control systems.
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