Drinks dispensed at bars are becoming consistently more refreshing, thanks to the innovation of a South Australian manufacturer.
In a first for Australia, beverage dispensing supplier Hoshizaki Lancer has launched a new machine at its production facility in Beverley, South Australia, to produce cabled ‘python’ — the long, black, snake-like collection of insulated tubing that carries beverages from the cool room to the bar tap.
By combining the tubing in a spiral formation, the new technology makes the python more flexible and faster and easier to install than non-cabled python commonly used within venues.
The machine, nicknamed Monty, has enabled Hoshizaki Lancer to quadruple its output and ultimately, bring thirsty customers colder drinks, says Category & Marketing Manager Jeff Peake.
Monty in action producing the cabled python.
“It can be challenging to keep drinks cold once they leave the cool room,” Mr Peake said.
“There can be ‘hot pockets’ where beverages are travelling through ceilings and down walls not insulated correctly.
“Heat can also be introduced if even just a small section of traditional, non-cabled python isn’t working properly.
“This causes CO2 to break out of the liquid so when beer, for example, is poured, it goes to foam.
“So, it’s critical a consistent temperature is achieved all the way from the cool room, through the python and out of the tap, otherwise it can cause wasted kegs and a bad customer experience.”
A line of python might contain up to 20 different tubes, carrying a range of beverages including soft drinks, beer, sparkling and red wine and nitrogen ice cocktails — all covered in a layer of heavy-duty insulation.
“We were finding that when we put the (traditional) python on a pallet to ship to the venue, the tubing on the outside would often stretch a lot, while the tubing on the inside would become compressed,” Mr Peake said.
“And, because the python was so thick, it was difficult for installers — who often work in tiny roof spaces — to get the python running through hot ceilings and conduits, down walls and across bars.
“By using this cable technology, the stress, compression and stretching are equally managed across the entire run of the python.”
‘Monty’ has been able to reduce the diameter of the cabled python by 25 per cent when coiled, allowing the finished product to be stored on pallets more efficiently, offering freight and storage cost savings for customers.
In addition, the force required to pull the cabled python through conduits during installation has nearly halved.
“This increased flexibility is particularly beneficial during installations in smaller venues and where space is at a premium,” Mr Peake said.
It was such feedback from installers that prompted Hoshizaki Lancer to consider how to improve its product.
“Having an engineering department next to our assembly line allows us to be really responsive with new product development,” Mr Peake said.
“We created a few prototypes of solutions and settled on the idea of cabling the python to address transportation and installation issues.
“We then went to fellow SA manufacturer Asytech to design the machine.
“It was an entirely local production, design and installation and the benefits all filter down to the people who pay the installers.
“If the cabled python can be installed faster, there's much less cost in the install and bars can be up and running faster, with less downtime.”
Hoshizaki Lancer’s cabled python can be used in new bars and retrofitted in those needing an update.
The efficiency of Monty has allowed the manufacturer to eye wider international markets.
“Now that freight costs are lower and our capacity to produce has quadrupled, there is a lot of ambition to branch out and become a bigger producer,” Mr Peake said.
“Beyond the South-East Asian market, we've been talking to the US and Europe.
“Our key customers are receptive to the idea of using cabled python and the contractors installing it are over the moon with how easy it is to use.
“They are working with a product they know is the best in the industry.
“They know it will enable them to do their job faster and allow them to meet the deadlines venues are putting on them to install.
“It’s a win-win for everyone: our customers, the venues and the consumers who get drinks exactly as the brewer intended.”
Main picture L-R: Matt Whitener, President, Lancer Worldwide, and Laurie Boxwell, Managing Director, ANZ, cut the ribbon to launch Monty.
Hoshizaki Lancer has been a member of Ai Group since 2014.
“Hoshizaki Lancer prides itself on staying up to date with relevant legislation and ensuring best practice across the rapidly changing regulatory and market conditions within the employment arena. As a member of Ai Group, Hoshizaki Lancer has had access to invaluable industry resources and individualised support to enable us to keep our team safe and remain compliant, allowing us to grow and expand our business operations.” — Gavin Pringle, HR Manager, Hoshizaki Lancer
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
