When pump or seal failures interrupt production in the food and beverage industry, the costs can be problematic. Lance Brett, national manager for Pumps & Mechanical Seals, explained how Motion helps customers prevent failures, maintain hygiene standards, and plan smarter with predictive insights.
Pumps and mechanical seals may not always be the most visible part of a food and beverage plant – but when they go down, the impact can be felt across the whole operation. From halted filling lines to compromised hygiene compliance, a single failure can put thousands of dollars and litres of product at risk.
For Brett, early detection and fit-for-purpose components are key to avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
“The most common failures we see are bearing failures caused by washdowns,” said Brett. “Hot water and caustic chemicals are essential for hygiene, but they also create a high-moisture environment. That moisture gets into the bearings and causes premature failures if you’re not using the right protective measures.”
Mechanical seal selection is another area where problems can arise. “It’s critical that the seal face and elastomer materials are suitable for the process,” he said. “If they’re not, we see issues like o-rings swelling or becoming brittle, or seal faces leaching and going porous. These are all avoidable with the right technical advice upfront.”
That’s where Motion steps in. With its deep understanding of both industry requirements and specific plant conditions, the team offers guidance on compliant, food-safe materials – from food-grade rubbers to metal-detectable o-rings.
“Getting to know the plant’s operating processes helps us understand what’s required in each area,” said Brett. “Different applications demand different materials and maintenance schedules. That’s why it’s not just about selling a part – it’s about building a complete picture.”
To reduce risk and maximise uptime, Motion is also seeing a growing uptake of condition monitoring among its food and beverage customers. By tracking vibration and other performance indicators, maintenance teams can spot trouble early and avoid unplanned breakdowns.
“Once you’ve set up regular condition monitoring, you can follow the trends,” said Brett. “It allows the plant to plan a shutdown rather than experiencing a catastrophic failure during production. That kind of foresight is a real uptime saver.”
Motion’s support doesn’t end there. As Lance points out, it’s the combination of services and supply that makes Motion a uniquely capable partner.
“Motion offers on-site service and condition monitoring, mechanical seal repairs and supply, pump and agitator repairs, troubleshooting, and access to a whole array of products” he said.
For food and beverage producers facing complex hygiene requirements, demanding production schedules, and rising costs, that full-circle support can make a tangible difference.
“Every part of the plant matters,” he said. “Whether it’s a small seal replacement or a major pump overhaul, it’s about helping customers stay compliant, efficient, and productive – day in and day out.”