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Maintaining strict sanitation standards in beverage manufacturing is essential for product quality and regulatory compliance. When Multi-Flow Industries, a leading beverage manufacturer, expanded into new markets, the company needed to upgrade its Clean-In-Place (CIP) system to meet higher sanitation standards. Cornerstone Automation delivered a custom solution that enhanced cleaning efficiency, ensured compliance, and integrated with their existing process automation.

Meeting New Sanitation Standards with an Outdated System

Multi-Flow had traditionally relied on manual cleaning methods, using basic sanitation procedures. While this approach had worked in the past, the company’s expansion into consumer-facing markets required them to comply with stricter sanitation regulations. At the same time, the manufacturing plant was modernizing its production process with new interlocking systems and fixed process piping, which made the previous cleaning methods impractical. To continue scaling operations while maintaining compliance, the plant needed a solution that would automate the cleaning process, eliminate inefficiencies, and integrate with the newly upgraded systems.

A Fully Integrated CIP System

To meet these needs, Cornerstone Automation designed and implemented the controls system for a fully automated Clean-In-Place (CIP) system that addressed industry sanitation requirements while eliminating the challenges of manual cleaning. The new system introduced PLC and HMI automation, allowing operators to easily manage cleaning cycles through an intuitive touchscreen interface. With a four-step cleaning process that includes completely configurable pre-rinse, caustic wash, final rinse, and sanitization cycles, the system provides precise control over temperature, flow rate, and cycle timing to ensure optimal cleaning performance. By integrating with Multi-Flow’s newly installed process piping and automation upgrades, the system became a key component in their broader modernization efforts.

Beyond the technology, training played an important role in the project’s success. Since the new system was a significant shift from their previously manual methods, Cornerstone Automation provided hands-on operator training to help Multi-Flow’s team transition smoothly. This support ensured that employees could confidently operate the new system, reducing downtime and optimizing cleaning cycles.

The Results: Consistent, More Effective Cleaning

With the new CIP system in place, Multi-flow Industries achieved regulatory compliance, allowing it to expand into new markets without concerns about meeting industry sanitation standards. Cleaning time was significantly reduced, freeing up production capacity and minimizing labor costs associated with manual processes. The automated system also brought a new level of consistency, ensuring that every batch met standard hygiene and safety requirements. Most importantly, the system was built with future scalability in mind, making it easier to implement additional automation upgrades as the company continues to grow.

“We needed a more efficient way to handle cleaning, and Cornerstone Automation delivered. Their team made the transition to an automated CIP system straightforward and helped us meet industry standards without any hiccups.”

Brian Gottlieb, owner of Multi-Flow Industries

With their new automated CIP system, Multi-Flow Industries has streamlined its cleaning process and is better equipped to meet the demands of a growing market. The collaboration with Cornerstone Automation has not only resolved immediate challenges but also positioned the company for long-term success in a competitive industry.

Contact Cornerstone Automation today to learn how we can help optimize your facility.