EOL Group boosts brewery efficiency wth dry end technology

The installation of new dry end technology from BMS Maschinenfabrik, part of the EOL Group, is transforming production efficiency at two of Austria’s most established private breweries.

Both Zwettl and Hirt selected the EOL Group as their technology partner, investing around €3–4 million each to modernise their end‑of‑line packaging operations. The decision was driven by a need for greater flexibility, higher output and seamless project coordination — areas where the EOL Group’s dry end technology is designed to excel.

At Zwettl, the new dry end line marks a significant performance upgrade. Installed during ongoing operations, the system delivers up to 36,000 bottles per hour, a 20% increase over the previous line.

The technology brings improved flow, optimised bottle handling and a layout that integrates the brewery’s existing visitor stage — demonstrating the adaptability of the EOL Group’s engineering approach.

Plant manager Heinz Wasner praised the “smooth and professional” coordination, noting that the dry end technology was delivered and commissioned exactly to schedule.

Hirt Brewery’s investment builds on a long‑standing partnership: a BMS repackaging system has been in use for 25 years. The new installation, completed in June 2025, includes a sorting unpacker and achieves up to 30,000 bottles per hour.

A standout innovation is the jointly developed packaging unit for 0.33‑litre returnable bottles in 6‑bottle carriers, giving Hirt a more efficient and sustainable returnables workflow. Managing director Raimund Linzer highlighted the transparent communication and reliability of the EOL Group’s project management.

Across both breweries, the EOL Group acted as the central interface coordinator, ensuring that mechanical, software and spatial challenges — including low ceiling heights and multi‑supplier integration — were resolved quickly. Installation and commissioning each took around six weeks, all while production continued.

The result is a step‑change in end‑of‑line performance: higher throughput, improved reliability, better ergonomics and future‑ready packaging capability. Both breweries report strong satisfaction months after completion, reinforcing the EOL Group’s position as a trusted partner for modernising beverage production.