As we head towards the end of the year, proactive leaders in the UK’s dynamic drinks industry are already turning their attention to 2026. This isn’t just about annual budgeting; it’s about strategic planning to stay ahead of market trends, consumer demands, and operational challenges. A crucial part of this forward-thinking process involves evaluating and, where necessary, upgrading the very heart of your production: your conveyor systems.
A successful 2026 starts with a robust plan today. From our base in the Midlands, we’ve been working with brewers and drinks manufacturers across the UK, gaining key insights into the operational trends that will shape the industry next year.
Data Insights from 2025: The Blueprint for 2026
The past year has solidified a few key trends that must inform your upgrade strategy:
- The Rise of Product Diversity: Gone are the days of a few core product lines. Data from 2025 shows an acceleration in the demand for craft beverages, a wider range of flavours, and innovative packaging formats (e.g., cans, slimline bottles, multi-packs). Your conveyor system must be able to handle this complexity without constant, time-consuming changeovers.
- Increased Focus on Energy Costs: With energy prices remaining a significant factor in operational expenditure, manufacturers have been actively seeking ways to reduce their power consumption. Older, less-efficient conveyor systems are a major drain on resources. Upgrades focused on high-efficiency motors and automated shut-down features are no longer “nice-to-haves,” but essential for profitability.
- The Need for Supply Chain Resilience: The lingering effects of global disruptions have made local, resilient supply chains a top priority. This means an emphasis on agile, flexible production lines that can quickly adapt to material shortages or changes in demand, ensuring continuous operation regardless of external pressures.
Key Considerations for Your 2026 Conveyor System Upgrade
With these insights in mind, here’s what to consider when planning your conveyor system upgrades for the coming year:
- 1. Agility and Modularity:
- Old Way: Fixed, linear conveyors that require extensive re-engineering for new products.
- 2026 Plan: Invest in modular and reconfigurable conveyor systems. This allows for quick line layout changes to accommodate new bottle sizes, can formats, or packaging styles. Systems with plug-and-play components and dynamic diverters (as we’ve discussed) are key to maintaining agility in a diverse market.
- 2. Automation and Robotics Integration:
- Old Way: Manual inspection and sorting at various points along the line.
- 2026 Plan: Integrate your conveyor system with advanced automation and robotics. Use robotic arms to handle delicate or unusual products, and implement AI-powered vision systems for quality control. This not only boosts throughput but also frees up your workforce for higher-value tasks, addressing the persistent skills gap in the UK.
- 3. Energy and Water Efficiency:
- Old Way: Continuously running systems and inefficient motors.
- 2026 Plan: Prioritise high-efficiency motors and smart control systems. These systems can automatically adjust speed and power consumption based on the real-time flow of products, dramatically cutting down on energy costs. Additionally, for bottling lines, consider designs that minimise water usage during cleaning and lubrication.
- 4. Predictive Maintenance and Uptime:
- Old Way: Waiting for a component to fail, resulting in unexpected and costly downtime.
- 2026 Plan: Equip your new systems with IoT sensors and data analytics capabilities. These smart conveyors provide a continuous stream of data on performance, temperature, and wear, allowing you to predict and prevent failures before they happen. Maximum uptime is crucial for hitting 2026’s production targets.
How Asmech Can Help You Plan for 2026
We are more than just a conveyor system supplier; we are strategic partners in your operational success. Our expert team can provide a full-scale consultation, assessing your current systems and helping you design a future-proof solution that aligns with your business goals for 2026 and beyond.
Our services include:
- Bespoke System Design: We design and manufacture conveyor systems tailored to the specific needs of the UK’s drinks industry, from craft beer to soft drinks.
- Modular & Agile Solutions: We specialise in flexible systems that can grow and change with your product line.
- Automation Integration: We seamlessly integrate our conveyors with robotic systems and smart technology for maximum efficiency.
- Local Support: As a UK-based company in the Midlands, we offer fast, reliable, and expert local service and support.
Don’t wait until January to start planning. The key to a profitable and productive 2026 is an upgrade strategy that begins today.
Contact Asmech to schedule your consultation and get a head start on preparing your production line for next year’s challenges and opportunities.
