Drunken Sailor – Case Study
Business Background
What began as a conversation over dinner with friends in 2012 became the foundation of a thriving Australian food manufacturing business. Founder Justin Arnoux was inspired by the idea of capturing the bold flavours, shared experiences, and enjoyment that quality food brings to people.
Raised in a family passionate about food, Justin developed an appreciation for flavour and craftsmanship from an early age. His father, a chef and baker, instilled the importance of quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation – values that continue to shape the business today.
For the first six years, Justin produced every batch from his home kitchen while working full time. Evenings were spent cooking around the routines of his housemates, refining recipes, and gradually building a loyal customer base. As demand increased, the business transitioned into a dedicated production facility where every dollar earned was reinvested into expanding capacity and improving production efficiency.
The Challenge
As production volumes grew, manual processes were no longer sustainable. Increasing output while maintaining product quality and consistency required a more efficient approach to manufacturing.
Justin began searching for an automation partner that could support the business both immediately and as it continued to expand. After comparing several machinery manufacturers, he selected Packserv for its Australian-made equipment, local technical support, and collaborative approach to designing a solution that matched his production requirements.
Rather than investing in an oversized production line from the outset, Justin wanted equipment that could grow with the business. Packserv’s modular machinery provided exactly that, allowing new equipment to be added as production increased. Features such as mobile castors also gave the flexibility to reconfigure the production layout as operational needs changed.
The option to rent equipment before purchasing provided additional confidence, enabling Justin to trial machinery and expand into contract manufacturing opportunities without significant upfront investment.
The Results
Since implementing the production line, including Packserv’s capping, labelling, printing, tables, and conveying equipment, the impact on production has been substantial.
Automation has significantly increased daily batch throughput and optimised the operations. What once required long hours and manual effort can now be achieved more efficiently, freeing up time to focus on product development and business growth.
Why It Worked?
Implementing an automation solution designed around the stage of growth of the business, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, has helped ensure success. Packserv’s modular equipment has given Justin the flexibility to invest progressively, scaling production as demand increases. Local manufacturing and technical support provided confidence and assistance would be readily available when needed, helping minimise downtime and maintain production continuity.
Combined with the flexibility of rental options and machinery designed for future expansion, the production line has become a long-term asset that continues to support the business’s growth.
Today, the business reflects the same passion and commitment it was founded on, strengthened by smart investment in automation that has enabled it to produce more efficiently, remain agile, and confidently plan for the future.
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