Skip to content

Contact us via , via , or via

  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Brewing & distilling

Brewery & distillery decommissioning, dismantling and equipment resale

When a brewery or distillery reduces production capacity, replaces equipment or closes a facility, the work extends well beyond removing machinery. Processing vessels, pipework, utilities and control systems are closely connected. Some installations may still be in use, while others need to be removed and prepared for resale.

SSMI supports industrial breweries and distilleries across Europe with plant downscaling, decommissioning and technical dismantling. We coordinate equipment removal, manage surplus assets and identify opportunities for machinery to be reused elsewhere. As part of Gerritsen Group, we can bring in additional specialist resources as project requirements change.

Understanding brewing & distilling facilities

Industrial breweries and distilleries depend on interconnected processing systems. A change to one production area can affect pipework, cooling, steam, cleaning systems and other shared services. Breweries typically include brewhouse equipment, fermentation and conditioning tanks, filtration systems and packaging lines. Distilleries use their own combination of fermentation equipment, stills, distillation columns, condensers and storage installations.

These differences matter when planning dismantling work. Before equipment is removed, we assess how the installation is connected, which services need to remain operational and what is required to create safe access. The removal sequence is then planned around the conditions of the site. For facilities that continue operating, careful coordination with the production team is essential.

Brewery & distillery downscaling and decommissioning

Removing a redundant production line is different from clearing an entire facility. Both require technical preparation, but the work must be organised around the equipment involved and the site's operating requirements. SSMI supports projects ranging from individual equipment removal to the dismantling of complete processing lines and larger industrial installations.

Our work can include technical assessment, dismantling planning, isolation coordination, lifting, equipment removal and preparation for transport. Where production continues, we coordinate work areas and access routes with the facility operator. Shared utilities and connections to active installations are assessed before removal begins. We also consider the future of the equipment at an early stage. Machinery intended for resale may need to be removed in a way that preserves its condition, documentation and associated components.

Experience in Industrial Beverage Processing

SSMI draws on practical project experience across the wider beverage industry through Gerritsen Group.

       Large-scale bottling          line relocation

Gerritsen Group managed the dismantling and international relocation of a high-capacity aseptic bottling line from Spain to Denmark.
The dismantling phase was completed in six weeks. Moving the installation required 48 truckloads, including eight exceptional transports.
The project involved technical dismantling, equipment handling and the coordination of complex cross-border logistics.
It demonstrates the group's ability to manage large, interconnected processing and packaging installations.
 

       Beverage production    asset recovery

Project Britvic in France involved the sale of surplus beverage processing and packaging equipment.
Complete production lines were offered for direct sale, alongside an industrial auction covering more than 200 additional assets, in cooperation with EquipNet.
The project illustrates how surplus industrial equipment can be brought back to market following changes to a production facility.
These references come from beverage processing rather than brewing or distilling specifically. The technical and logistical experience is relevant to projects involving similar industrial installations.

Technical dismantling in brewing & distilling environments

Large processing vessels, extensive pipework and shared utilities can make dismantling work complex, particularly when a facility remains partly operational. In breweries, planning may need to account for pressurised systems, CO₂, refrigeration, cleaning chemicals and product residues.

Distilleries can present additional risks associated with alcohol vapours and potentially explosive atmospheres. These conditions require appropriate isolation, site-specific risk assessment and controlled working methods.

SSMI prepares dismantling activities around the technical and safety requirements of each facility. Our teams coordinate with the site operator to establish safe working areas, lifting arrangements and removal sequences before work begins.

Brewing & distilling equipment

The equipment involved in a project depends on the production process and the scope of the facility. For breweries, this may include brewhouse vessels, mash and lauter tuns, wort kettles, heat exchangers, fermentation tanks, bright beer tanks, filtration systems and filling lines.

Distillery installations may include fermentation vessels, copper pot stills, distillation columns, condensers, heat exchangers, pumps and associated storage equipment. Supporting installations such as CIP systems, refrigeration, steam supply, process pipework and electrical controls also need to be considered. When assessing equipment for removal, we look at its condition, dimensions, connections, accessibility and potential for reuse.

Scalable project capacity across Europe

Large industrial projects rarely require the same resources from start to finish. Dismantling schedules, lifting operations and transport requirements can change as work progresses. SSMI is part of Gerritsen Group, alongside Speedrite and Numan Transport. This allows us to draw on additional specialist capabilities and operational resources when needed.

We can scale project teams to match the work involved and coordinate technical dismantling, equipment handling and transport within a clear project structure. Our experience across Europe and access to local knowledge help us prepare for different site conditions and project requirements.

Used brewery & distillery equipment

Production equipment that is no longer needed at one facility may still be suitable for use elsewhere. SSMI assesses surplus industrial machinery for potential resale, reuse or material recovery. Depending on its condition and market demand, equipment may be offered through direct sales or industrial auctions. Relevant assets can include processing vessels, fermentation tanks, heat exchangers, filtration systems, pumps, complete production lines and packaging equipment.

For equipment intended for resale, technical specifications, documentation and the dismantling approach all matter. We consider these factors before removal begins. This helps owners recover value from redundant assets and gives buyers access to industrial equipment that may still have useful operating life.

Plate heat exchanger

Plate heat exchanger

SKU: SSMIBRI1-00004399

Brand: Kelvion
Year: 2019
Roller Conveyor System With Electrical Cabinet- Packing Area 

Roller Conveyor System With Electrical Cabinet- Packing Area 

SKU: SSMIBRI2-00003899

Brand: Unknown brand
Year: Unknown
Robopac Impianto Steel Roller Conveyor System- Packing Area 

Robopac Impianto Steel Roller Conveyor System- Packing Area 

SKU: SSMIBRI2-00003898

Brand: Robopac 
Year: Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Can a brewery production line be dismantled while other parts of the facility remain operational?

Yes, provided the installation can be safely isolated and the work can be organised around ongoing production. Shared utilities, access routes, lifting operations and site safety requirements must be assessed before dismantling begins.

What needs to be considered when decommissioning a distillery?

The assessment should cover process residues, alcohol vapours, potentially explosive atmospheres, equipment isolation, shared utilities and safe removal routes. The requirements depend on the installation and conditions on site.

Can complete brewing systems be sold for reuse?

Potentially. Reuse depends on the equipment's condition, technical specifications, completeness, documentation and market demand. These factors should be assessed before dismantling.

Can SSMI coordinate dismantling and the sale of surplus equipment?

Yes. SSMI combines industrial dismantling with asset recovery, allowing potential resale opportunities to be considered during project planning.

Does SSMI support projects across Europe?

Yes. SSMI works across Europe and can draw on the technical resources and experience of Gerritsen Group, including local knowledge where available.

Discuss Your Brewing or Distilling Project

Planning a plant closure, reducing production capacity or removing an existing processing line? SSMI can help assess the scope, organise technical dismantling and identify opportunities to recover value from surplus equipment.