State-of-the-Art Automation
PepsiCo has announced a significant $13 million investment in its Dragomirești factory, Romania, introducing a cutting-edge, fully automated production line. Touted as “the most automated in PepsiCo’s European portfolio,” this line is set to revolutionize beverage production.
A Leap in Production Efficiency
With the capacity to produce around 1 million bottles daily, the new line is a game-changer in energy and operational efficiency. It boasts a 30% reduction in energy consumption and a 30% increase in energy efficiency per litre produced, compared to traditional lines.
Environmental Benefits: Reduced Emissions and Water Usage
This initiative isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also an environmental win. The line enhances beverage production by 60% per time unit, cuts CO2 emissions by 20%, and slashes water consumption by 30% per litre of beverage. Additionally, it’s projected to reduce the factory’s annual plastic usage by about 30 tons.
High-Tech Features and Automation
The production line stands out with its advanced technologies and high automation level. It integrates seamlessly into the automated warehouse flow, featuring robot-guided pallet handling and storage. This integration ensures a completely automated process from bottling to truck loading, minimizing the need for human intervention.
Glass Format Changes Now Automated
The automation extends to tasks like glass format changes and mold adjustments, further enhancing production efficiency. This technological advancement is part of PepsiCo’s strategy to streamline operations and boost productivity.
Part of a Larger Development Plan
This investment is a crucial component of PepsiCo’s five-year development plan for the Dragomirești factory. The plan includes a total investment of $40 million, aimed at improving production lines and increasing annual production capacity to over 800 million litres. It also involves building a 15,000 square metre fully automated warehouse, worth $15 million.
PepsiCo’s Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Radu Berevoescu, GM and Senior Commercial Director of East Balkans at PepsiCo, emphasizes the investment’s role in reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. He highlights the benefits of automation, not only in production but also in allowing employees to focus on process improvement, professional growth, and operations simplification.
A Regional Hub for Production and Distribution
With this significant investment, PepsiCo aims to strengthen its position as a regional production and distribution hub for Central and South-Eastern Europe. The new line’s high level of automation and production capacity positions PepsiCo at the forefront of the beverage industry in the region.
