In a rapidly evolving beverage market, the Client faced the critical challenge of launching a new non-carbonated beverage on a fast-tracked timeline. Their existing production systems required significant modifications to prevent carbon dioxide contamination during both manufacturing and packaging. Additionally, the process demanded elevated mixing temperatures to ensure ingredient integration, all while maintaining operational continuity and cost efficiency.
The First Key team conducted on-site assessments to fully understand the Client’s legacy systems and new product requirements. We collaborated closely with stakeholders, leveraging engineering and project management expertise to design and implement a nitrogen generation system, replace carbon dioxide in key processes, and support the installation of a new heat exchanger for improved ingredient dissolution. Throughout the project, First Key maintained schedule discipline by proactively managing equipment delays, coordinating with electrical and controls engineering, and providing regular updates to ensure transparency and alignment.
The Client achieved on-time and on-budget delivery of their new beverage capability, enabling the production of non-carbonated “still” beverages and unlocking new market opportunities. Ingredient cost savings were realized by transitioning syrup deliveries from totes to tankers, and process efficiency improved through enhanced mixing enabled by the new heat exchanger. The partnership with First Key not only solved immediate operational challenges but also positioned the Client for future growth and innovation in the competitive beverage sector.
