Make or outsource
Contract packing vs owning a carbonated filling line.
For many drink brands, the decision is not simply which filler to buy. The first question is whether production should be outsourced or brought in-house.
- Lower initial machinery investment.
- Access to established production skills.
- Less direct control over lead times and changeovers.
| Option | Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Contract packing | Lower machinery risk, established line access | Less control, minimum runs, lead times |
| Own small line | Flexibility, product control, smaller batches | Training, maintenance, lower speed |
| Own automatic line | Higher output, repeatability, integration | Higher investment, utilities and space needed |
- More flexibility for frequent small runs.
- Greater control over product development.
- Requires site readiness and production discipline.
- Track true contract packing cost per unit.
- Estimate internal production cost realistically.
- Keep future pack formats in mind.
FAQs
Common questions.
When should I move from contract packing to my own line?
When volume, margin, flexibility or product control justify the investment and site requirements.
Can a small line replace a contract packer?
It can for some products and volumes, but the full production cost must be calculated.
Should I buy a large line immediately?
Not unless demand, operators, space and cash flow justify the scale.
Related pages
Continue planning your carbonated filling project.
Continue comparing the right carbonated filling route for your project.
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Next stepGet a Carbonated Filler Quote UKContinue comparing the right carbonated filling route for your project.
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