If you’re thinking about upgrading your bottling equipment, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably, “How long will my production be down during installation?” It’s a smart question, and one that every bottler should ask before making a major investment. The good news is, with a partner like Steelhead Inc., installing a new automatic bottling machine doesn’t have to mean weeks of lost production. With proper planning, expert guidance, and training, your line can be up and running quickly and perform even better than before!
Timing Your Upgrade Matters
The bottling industry’s busy season is the peak of summer. Since customers reach for bottled water more often, orders surge through retail and distribution channels. That’s why we recommend scheduling any major upgrades before or after these crucial months. Ordering new bottling equipment now will allow for design, manufacturing, and shipping to be completed with plenty of time left for installation and operator training before summer arrives.
Waiting until April or May to make a purchase could mean production delays. Lead times can stretch as manufacturers fill their spring production queues, and installation crews may already be booked out. By planning ahead and installing during the cooler months, you’ll avoid the stress and costs of downtime during your busiest season.
Average Downtime During Installation
Every project is different, depending on your facility layout, equipment size, and level of automation. Here’s a general idea of what to expect when installing a new system:
- Smaller system upgrades, such as replacing a filler, capper, or conveyor, can usually be completed in 2–5 days.
- Medium-sized installations, like integrating a new washer and filler line, typically take about 1–2 weeks.
- Full bottling line installations, especially for larger automatic bottling machine systems, can range from 2–4 weeks, depending on complexity, facility size, and operator training needs.
These timelines include set up, testing, and calibration. Your installation team will usually run test batches and fine-tune the system before full production resumes. The goal is to ensure every bottle, cap, and seal performs to spec from the very first production day.
What Affects Installation Time?
Several factors can influence how long new bottling equipment will take to install. The complexity of your system plays a big role; a compact, semi-automatic line can typically be installed much faster than a fully automated, high-capacity automatic bottling machine. Your facility’s existing layout also matters. Any reconfiguration or additional electrical or plumbing work can add several days to the schedule.
Training requirements are another key consideration, as operators need time to become familiar with the new controls and safety procedures, particularly on modern automated systems. Special features, such as robotic rack loaders, remote monitoring, or integrated inspection systems, may require extra calibration before the line is fully operational.
Shipping and setup logistics can also affect timing, especially for international deliveries or facilities with limited access. Working with an experienced team, like the engineers and installers at Steelhead Inc., helps streamline the process. Our project managers coordinate every phase to ensure that your automatic bottling machine is installed safely, efficiently, and ready to perform at peak capacity.
How to Minimize Downtime
Minimizing downtime when upgrading your bottling equipment starts with careful planning. Preparing your space ahead of time is essential: clear the area where your new system will go and ensure all utilities, like power and water, are ready before delivery. Pre-training your staff can also save valuable time, giving operators a chance to familiarize themselves with new controls and safety procedures ahead of installation.
Building inventory and safety stock before the upgrade ensures your clients are covered during the installation period. Hiring a professional installer is another crucial step, as certified teams know how to efficiently align, calibrate, and test modern bottling systems. When done correctly, a new system can reduce future downtime, thanks to smarter diagnostics, easier maintenance, and early detection of potential issues, keeping your line running smoothly well beyond the initial installation.
Upgrade Before the New Year
If you’re a U.S. bottler, now is the ideal time to order your bottling equipment. Acting now allows you to secure a Spring or early summer installation. Year-end purchases may also provide tax advantages, with some businesses able to benefit from capital equipment deductions before the new fiscal year begins. By the time temperatures rise and demand spikes, your line will be fully operational and ready to meet peak season needs.
With the right partner, like Steelhead Inc., you can expect a smooth installation, minimal downtime, and a water bottling operation that’s ready to perform at peak efficiency when it matters most. Contact Steelhead Inc. or call 210.628.1066 to upgrade your automatic bottling machine today.
