Engineering & Manufacturing Consulting FAQ

Solon Consulting provides thorough project management and specialized consulting services for beverage and food manufacturing facilities. Our expertise includes facility design, process optimization, automation systems, equipment procurement, compliance management, and full-scale operational planning and execution.

We cater to everything from startup breweries and craft beverage producers to large-scale food and beverage manufacturing plants, optimizing operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

We support a diverse clientele in the beverage and food manufacturing industries, including:

• Craft breweries (3-barrel to 100,000+ barrel facilities)
• Large-scale beverage plants
• Cideries, distilleries, and wineries
• Contract beverage manufacturers
• Food processing facilities
• Non-alcoholic beverage producers

Our specific results help these facilities enhance operational efficiency and achieve sustainable growth.

Solon Consulting specializes in beverage manufacturing,including craft beer, wine, cider, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages,and food production facilities. Our expertise covers startups, mid-scale expansions, and large industrial operations, focusing on scale-able results for growth and efficiency.

Solon Consulting stands out from traditional consulting firms through our hands-on approach to project management and implementation. We don’t merely advise; we actively engage with your manufacturing operations, utilizing deep technical expertise and proactive problem-solving strategies to achieve measurable improvements in efficiency, compliance, and profitability.

We are not traditional consultants who deliver a plan and walk away,we are your partners in execution.

Yes. We believe that engineering success must be built on a solid business foundation. We offer thorough strategic planning, financial modeling, capital optimization, and market analysis services to ensure your project is not just technically sound but also financially viable and strategically positioned for growth.

Absolutely. Navigating the complex regulatory environment of the beverage industry is one of our core strengths. We assist with TTB permitting, FDA compliance, OSHA safety standards, and local building codes to ensure your facility operates legally and safely.

We design and consult on a wide variety of facilities within the beverage and food manufacturing sectors, including:

• Brewery and distillery facilities
• Winery and cider house setups
• Food processing and packaging plants
• Cold storage and distribution centers
• Research and development kitchens
• Quality control and testing laboratories

Our team ensures that each facility is designed for optimal workflow, compliance, and scalability.

Solon Consulting offers flexible engagement models to meet diverse project needs:

• Hourly consulting – For specific technical questions or short-term guidance
• Fixed-scope project management – For defined deliverables with clear timelines
• Ongoing retainer-based services – For continuous operational support

We begin with a detailed consultation to assess your manufacturing facility’s specific needs, delivering customized, transparent proposals to optimize your production processes and improve ROI.

Our complimentary consultation includes an in-depth discussion of your current manufacturing operations, specific project goals, and future expansion plans. This enables us to develop targeted, actionable results to optimize your facility’s operational performance and growth.

We offer a completely free first meeting to introduce ourselves and communicate how we can assist your business. There’s no sales pitch,just direct answers to your manufacturing questions.

Engagement terms at Solon Consulting include:

• Short-term project-based agreements
• Ongoing retainer arrangements
• Partnerships focused on continuous operational improvement

Each agreement clearly specifies project scope, timelines, confidentiality, and non-compete provisions to ensure transparent, effective collaboration.

Getting started is simple:

• Book your free consultation via our website
• Review your situation – We’ll discuss your challenges and goals
• Propose next steps – Clear recommendations and project scope
• Define scope and timelines – Transparent project planning
• Get started – We’re ready to move with you

With over two decades of experience, Solon Consulting specializes in beverage and food manufacturing operations. Our expertise covers:

• Project management and execution
• Process planning and automation
• Facility automation and control systems
• HACCP and OSHA compliance
• Operational lifecycle management

Our consultants have successfully managed projects for facilities of all sizes, from small craft producers to multi-million-dollar manufacturing plants, ensuring efficient, compliant, and profitable operations.

While our headquarters is in Austin, Texas, we have ongoing clients as far away as Greece. Solon Consulting can provide in-person services and remote services anywhere in the world.

We have successfully completed projects in multiple countries including the United States, Greece, Mexico, Honduras, the United Kingdom, and the Cayman Islands.

Yes, Solon Consulting maintains an extensive portfolio of case studies demonstrating significant improvements in operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, automation advancements, and profitability across diverse beverage and food manufacturing facilities.

Industry references and detailed case studies are available upon request. Our testimonials page features feedback from clients including Central Machine Works, Oddwood Brewing, Starbase Brewing, FMN Brewery (Greece), Istrouma Brewing, and Austin Cocktails.

Project timelines vary significantly based on scope and complexity:

• Consultation and planning – 2-4 weeks
• Equipment installation projects – 4-12 weeks
• Facility expansions – 3-8 months
• Turnkey facility construction – 8-18 months
• International projects – Additional 2-4 weeks for logistics

We provide detailed timelines during the planning phase and maintain transparent communication throughout project execution.

We work with both existing equipment and new installations. Our services include:

• Retrofitting and upgrades – Optimizing current systems
• Integration projects – Connecting new equipment with existing infrastructure
• Automation additions – Adding control systems to manual processes
• Capacity expansions – Scaling existing operations
• Greenfield projects – Complete new facility design and construction