1. How do I choose a filling machine supplier?
In filling machinery, equipment from Germany and Italy — KHS, Krones, Sacmi and others — is top-notch. But these companies mainly build very high-capacity machines, such as 500,000 bottles per hour and above, at a very high price. That is rarely the right option for a start-up beverage factory.
Chinese filling machines have absorbed German and Italian technology and matured over many years: the technology is stable, the filling is precise, and the price is much lower. For most businesses this is an excellent choice.
When you talk with suppliers, look at their industry experience, whether the pre-sales technical support is professional, whether they give you the information you need in time, and whether the person you talk to is patient. A responsible supplier helps you avoid many unnecessary hassles and risks, and supports you for as long as you use the machine.
2. What filling machines should I choose?
Start with three questions:
- What do you want to produce — drinking water, juice, soda, wine or something else?
- How large should the line be? Line output is measured in bottles per hour.
- What container will you use — glass, plastic bottles, cans or something else?
With this information we prepare a preliminary quotation. Over several rounds of communication we then confirm the layout drawing, the bottle drawing, the label type, the packaging method and, finally, the quotation.
3. How does payment work?
Once both sides confirm the final quotation, we issue a proforma invoice. Both parties sign and seal it — this is the contract. You take the proforma invoice to your bank and pay a 30% deposit, which we usually receive within 2–3 days. Production then starts.
At this point we need samples of your bottles, caps, labels and packaging materials — or cap and preform samples together with signed bottle design drawings.
Depending on the size of the line, the machines are finished in about 30–90 days and then tested. For the test you provide bottles (or preforms), caps and labels. Linho generally runs the machine continuously for 2–3 days in the workshop to find and fix any problem before it leaves.
4. How do I inspect the machines?
After the machines are fully tested we invite you to inspect them. If you cannot travel, we offer a video inspection. The main points to check:
- The machines are complete against the contract list.
- The materials and configuration match the contract — especially any special requirements.
- The machines run smoothly and the output speed meets the standard.
- The machines are compatible with your sample bottles.
When the inspection is passed, you pay the 70% balance.
5. How do I ship the machines to my factory?
After the balance arrives, we contact a freight forwarder to arrange the shipment — or work with your own forwarder. You pay the freight and insurance, either directly to the forwarder or to us.
The machines generally reach the destination port in about 30–50 days. In the meantime you have time to find a customs clearance company in your country. It will tell you which documents are required; we prepare them and mail them to the company. When the goods arrive, the clearance company clears them and delivers them, and you arrange domestic transport to your factory.
6. How do I start production once the machines arrive?
Connect and install the line according to the layout drawing. Once water, electricity and air are ready, we send technicians to install and commission the line. You assist with visa applications, transport, food and accommodation, and pay a daily technician fee that depends on the machines purchased. Commissioning generally takes one week to two months.
After the line is fully installed and commissioned, the technician continues to assist your production for one more week. When there are no problems, the technician returns to China.
At that point you have completed the entire purchase. In the future, Linho continues to provide technical service and spare parts — our cooperation has only just begun.
