Starting a craft brewery can be a daunting task. There are so many things to think about. One of the most important, however, is the vendor you’ll use for your brewing equipment, as well as the equipment itself. If you choose a great vendor, you’ll have a partner that will help you to configure your brewery and scale it in the future, in addition to providing you with equipment. If you choose a poor vendor, you’ll get a lot of pieces and parts you’ll be left to cobble together on your own. Here are some things to look for in a vendor.
* A Wide Range of Equipment – Your vendor should be able to offer all the components needed, from the fermentation tanks to the beer bottling equipment. When you choose a vendor that offers all the equipment you need, you’re assured that everything will work together perfectly.
* The Ability to Work with Large and Small Breweries – There’s a good chance you’re starting out small, but there’s also a good chance you’ll grow over the years. Choosing a vendor that can scale your system over time means you don’t have to throw everything out and start over because you’re successful.
* Engineering and Design Services – You’ll be well prepared to go into the future if your vendor has designed the equipment they sell and offers engineering and design services to their customers. This allows you to create your own unique brewery, without having to rely on the exact same carbonation system or beer bottling equipment used by other breweries if this doesn’t work for you.
A great equipment vendor can be the key to your success as a craft brewer. Be certain to ask the right questions to ensure your vendor is a partner that can provide value now and for years to come.
