AB InBev, Belgium –
Minimized downtime with
Retrofit and Modernization
Services
AB InBev, Belgium –
Minimized downtime with
Retrofit and Modernization
Services
Food & Beverages
AB InBev
Leuven Belgium
Monitoring and control: AB InBevfaced a critical situation with
their outdated production line (LC8 palletizing line), which processes 50,000 liters of
beer daily. The line had become unreliable, leading to production losses.
Aging infrastructure: The company’s
palletizing lines contained many
outdated components that were no longer available after 20 years of service,
causing unplanned downtime and further production loss due to missing spare
parts and lack of know-how.
System flexibility: AB InBev desires
the ability to implement new stacking patterns for efficient format changes without
depending on the manufacturer.
Minimal production disruption: The
company aims to avoid months of downtime for a complete line replacement.
To address
the objectives of enhancing efficiency and reliability in the customers'
production lines, our Siemens service experts implemented a comprehensive Retrofit
and Modernization solution, combined with the implementation of a Digital Twin.
This retrofit solution not only modernizes the customers production line but
also enhances operational efficiency, reliability, and in-house serviceability:
Digital Twin for simulation and
optimization: This allows for virtual testing and fine-tuning of production
processes, leading to optimized performance and reduced downtime. It also
enables the possibility to integrate Predictive Maintenance solutions in the
future facilitating the early identification and proactive addressing of issues
by analyzing data against simulation reference values.
Reduction of commissioning time:
This minimizes the required upgrade window, resulting in reduced production
downtime and improved efficiency. In the future, the implementation of new
layer patterns will also go faster thanks to the use of this new technology.
Complete retrofit of the production
line: This includes the installation of new cabinets, automation & drive components
and HMI Panels, ensuring modern and efficient operations.
Possibility to train operators
through simulation: This enables operators to gain hands-on experience and
improve their skills in a risk-free virtual environment.
Fast Implementation: The retrofit
was completed in just seven days—three days ahead of schedule—enabling the
production of an additional 600 pallets.
Full Control: The new solution provides the flexibility to independently
implement and customize new stacking patterns, allowing for greater operational
adaptability.
Sustainable approach: The complete
retrofit eliminated the need to replace an entire production line, offering a
more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution.
AB InBev, the
world's largest beer producer, operates over 200 breweries worldwide and is
renowned for its portfolio of more than 500 iconic brands, including Stella
Artois, Budweiser, and Corona. Serving over 2 billion consumers globally and
operating in 50 countries, AB InBev produced an impressive 576 million
hectoliters of beer in 2024. The Retrofit and Modernization project was carried
out at AB InBev's facility in Leuven, Belgium.
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