Financing Brewing Equipment and Machinery

Turning your passion for craft beer into a thriving brewery business requires more than a great recipe—it requires significant investment in equipment and resources. Whether you’re launching a microbrewery from the ground up or expanding an existing operation, securing the right finance is critical to your success.

Below, we’ll explore the key steps and considerations for financing brewing equipment and machinery so you can grow your brewery business with confidence.

1. Understanding the Cost of Brewery Equipment

Every brewery setup is different, but certain costs are universal—fermenters, mash tuns, kettles, and canning lines, to name a few. Understanding these expenses is the first step to planning your finance strategy effectively. Before making any purchase or applying for finance, it’s vital to know the core pieces of machinery you’ll need and the associated price tags.

Essential Brewing Equipment & Machinery

Building a successful brewery requires more than a great beer recipe; it demands reliable, high-quality equipment. Properly identifying which machinery you need—from brewing vessels to packaging lines—helps you plan your budget and organise the right finance solution for your operation.

Below are some approximate UK price ranges for typical brewery equipment. These figures can vary widely based on brand, capacity, quality, and whether the units are new or second-hand. Always seek quotes from multiple suppliers to get the most accurate pricing for your specific requirements.

1. Mash Tuns

   • Smaller (1–5 barrel capacity): £2,000 – £10,000

   • Larger / Custom (10+ barrels): £10,000 – £50,000+

2. Brew Kettles

   • Smaller (1–5 barrel capacity): £2,000 – £15,000

   • Larger / Custom (10+ barrels): £15,000 – £60,000+

3. Fermentation Tanks

   • Small / Basic: £2,000 – £10,000

   • Higher Capacity or Specialty: £10,000 – £50,000+

4. Conditioning (Bright) Tanks

   • Basic Models (1–5 barrel): £1,500 – £10,000

   • Larger or Special Features: £10,000 – £30,000+

5. Canning and Bottling Lines

   • Entry-Level Setup: £5,000 – £20,000

   • Mid-Range / Semi-Automated: £20,000 – £50,000

   • High-End / Fully Automated: £50,000 – £80,000+

6. Filtration and Pump Systems

   • Smaller / Basic Filtration Units: £1,000 – £5,000

   • Larger / Complex Systems: £5,000 – £20,000+

7. Keg Washers and Fillers

   • Manual / Semi-Automated: £2,000 – £10,000

   • Fully Automated / Higher Capacity: £10,000 – £15,000+

Have you already tallied up your potential costs? Why not check out our Business Finance Calculator for a quick quote or for a more personalised quote, get in touch here.

2. Why Financing Brewing Equipment and Machinery Makes Sense

Purchasing all your brewery equipment outright can place an enormous strain on your cash flow. Financing helps spread out these costs, enabling you to invest in high-quality machinery and maintain sufficient working capital. This approach lets you focus on brewing great beer rather than worrying about immediate lump-sum payments.

Preserves Working Capital

Paying in full for brewery equipment can tie up a large portion of your capital. By financing, you maintain cash flow for other essential areas—like marketing, staff salaries, and day-to-day operations.

Flexibility to Scale

The craft beer market can grow quickly. Finance solutions enable you to expand capacity or adopt new technology without derailing your immediate cash reserves. If the business booms, you can adjust and add equipment in line with demand.

3. Types of Financing For Brewing and Machinery

Brewing equipment can require a large investment upfront, often straining cash reserves. Finance solutions help spread these costs over time, enabling you to acquire essential machinery—such as fermenters, mash tuns, and bottling lines—without depleting working capital.

Asset Finance for Brewery Machinery

Asset and equipment finance is one of the most popular ways for brewing businesses to acquire expensive machinery and equipment. By spreading the cost over a set term, you preserve cash flow and can focus on crafting great beer from the outset.

Benefits of Asset Finance for Breweries:

• Preserve Cash Flow: Pay for brewing machinery in instalments rather than in one lump sum.

• Flexible Repayment Terms: Tailored agreements that align with your business cycle—helpful for seasonal demand fluctuations.

• Immediate Access to Equipment: Begin production or expand capacity as soon as the finance arrangement is in place.

Business Loans for Brewery Equipment

Business loans provide a lump sum of capital to cover major expenses such as brewery setup, expansion, and essential machinery. Both secured and unsecured options exist, offering flexibility to suit different financial profiles and risk appetites.

Benefits of Business Loans for Breweries:

• No Upfront Costs: Finance is disbursed as a lump sum, allowing you to invest immediately in equipment or infrastructure.

• Unsecured Loan Options: In certain cases, no collateral is needed, reducing the risk to your existing assets.

• Quick Access to Funds: Loan applications can often be processed swiftly, helping you meet your production and launch timelines.

• Flexible Use of Funds: Put the capital toward any brewery-related needs, from purchasing equipment to hiring staff.

Interested in a deep dive into business finance solutions? Read our “Everything You Need to Know About Business Finance” guide.

4. Working with a Brewery Business Finance Specialist

Navigating financing options can be daunting—especially in a niche sector like craft beer. This is where a brewery finance specialist steps in to simplify the process, tailor solutions, and guide you through industry-specific considerations.

• Industry Expertise: Knowledge of brewing cycles, equipment types, and regulations ensures a lender truly understands your requirements.

• Tailored Solutions: Specialists can craft finance packages that accommodate your cash flow, growth targets, and the realities of beer production.

• Time Savings: By handling paperwork and negotiation on your behalf, specialists free up your time to focus on brewing great beer.

• Ongoing Support: As your brewery grows or pivots, a specialist remains on hand to help you secure additional funding or adjust your existing agreements.

Contact Will Evans, Brewery Business Finance Specialist

Financing brewing equipment and machinery is often the linchpin of a successful craft beer venture. By evaluating your needs, exploring diverse finance options, and working with an industry specialist, you can set a strong foundation for growth while preserving working capital. With the right plan and funding in place, you’ll be well-equipped to bring your unique brews to thirsty customers far and wide.

At Millbrook Business Finance, we tailor financing solutions to meet the unique needs of financing brewing equipment and machinery. Whether you’re launching your first brewing business kit out or upgrading your existing set up, I’d be delighted to help you secure the best funding available.

• Call: 0333 015 3301

• Email: Will@millbrookbusinessfinance.com

• Read A Success Story: Securing Spirited Business Finance for Breweries