About Schilling Cider
Based out of Auburn, WA, Schilling Cider started as a small-scale venture by two college friends, brewing beer in a garage. Over time, their passion for crafting exceptional beverages led them to grow into a 110,000-square-foot facility. Today, Schilling Cider is known for its innovative approach to cider-making, focusing on quality and taste.
The Need for Quality Assurance
As Schilling Cider experienced exponential growth, they recognized the importance of maintaining consistent quality across their production line. Preventing product defects from reaching the customer became a top priority for them. This drive for quality led them to partner with FILTEC, beginning a fruitful collaboration.
The Schilling Cider Line
Schilling Cider operates a single high-speed canning line capable of processing approximately 900 cans per minute. Their line handles various can sizes, including 12oz, 16oz, and 19.2oz cans in loose pack cartons or cartons in a loose pack tray.
FILTEC's Contribution: Ensuring Quality at Every Stage
Fill Level Systems
At the beginning of the line construction, two FILTEC Fill Level systems were integrated. The first system, located immediately after the filler, detects, and prevents gross low fills from progressing further down the line. The second system, positioned after the pasteurizer, provides a closer examination of the fill level after the product has settled, enabling high-pressure testing and accurate seamer checks. This meticulous monitoring at the end of the pasteurizer has proven crucial for maintaining Schilling Cider's quality standards.
Empty Can Inspection System (ECI)
The FILTEC ECI system plays a critical role in Schilling Cider's production line. By identifying and sorting out defective cans early on, the ECI system ensures consistent and uninterrupted operation.
"Previously we had a problem where a bad can might halt the filling process or cause issues at the seamer. With the ECI system in place, we are now able to address these concerns proactively, resulting in a consistently running filler." Mark Kornei, CFO of Schilling Cider.
AURATEC (Vision Pressure) System
Though not initially part of their agenda during line construction, the FILTEC AURATEC system has brought significant benefits to Schilling Cider. This vision pressure system allows them to obtain pressure readings on cans as they pass through the line. As a result, Schilling Cider has even expanded its services, taking on the role of a copacker for other beer and wine brands.
INTELLECT: A Comprehensive Solution
Schilling Cider has embraced the power of FILTEC's INTELLECT inspection system, which has been integrated into their Fill Level Systems, AURATEC, and the Empty Can Inspection System. INTELLECT gives Schilling Cider unprecedented insight into defect tracking, providing valuable data for their QA team.
"INTELLECT gives us a greater depth of knowledge in identifying defects, tracking them, and utilizing the data for quality assurance purposes." Mark Kornei, CFO
Thus, through their partnership with FILTEC, Schilling Cider has successfully been able to continue to provide quality products to their customers. From inspecting fill levels to identifying defective cans and monitoring pressure, each FILTEC solution has played a vital role in maintaining the quality and reliability of Schilling Cider's production line.
To learn more about Schilling Cider's journey and see their collaboration with FILTEC in action, watch the video case study Schilling Hard Cider - Filtec Success Story - YouTube
If you would like to learn more about how FILTEC can enhance the quality control of your production line, contact our sales team today! https://www.filtec.com/company/contact/