11 Questions To Ask Before Buying Process Equipment

Investing in process equipment is a big decision that can affect product consistency and efficiency to long-term scalability. If you’re upgrading a system or building a new production line, it’s important to choose a manufacturer who understands your materials, your industry, and your goals.

At APEC, we’ve spent decades engineering automated process systems for pet food, animal feed, snack foods, and other bulk solid applications. We know how important it is to select the right partner—one that can design, build, and support equipment that keeps your operation running smoothly.

Before you buy, ask your potential process equipment manufacturer these 11 questions:

1. Do you understand my materials and processes? 

Different materials behave differently than others. What works for grains may not work for powdered flavorings or liquid coatings. Make sure to ask your equipment manufacturer if they truly understand what materials you’ll be working with. 

At APEC, our engineers design equipment based on your needs and the characteristics of your ingredients. Whether it’s bulk density, flowability, particle size, and more, it ensures accurate, reliable processing. 

2. Can you customize equipment to my specifications? 

Off-the-shelf equipment rarely fits complex production needs. The best manufacturers adapt to your process—not the other way around. 

Every APEC system is custom engineered to meet the specific requirements of your production line and goals, whether it’s a micro-ingredient weighing system or a continuous flow coating system. 

3. What kind of testing and validation do you offer? 

Make sure you ask your equipment manufacturer if the outcome of their manufacturing works because it is one thing to say it will work and another to put it to the test. 

APEC offers pilot testing and process validation to ensure your system performs as expected. Our goal is to eliminate uncertainty before installation begins. 

4. How is your equipment built for reliability and maintenance? 

Downtime is costly. Look for equipment designed for easy access, minimal maintenance, and dependable operation. 

With every weld, joint, and connection built with precision, we can reduce long-term maintenance needs. Our systems are designed to stand up to the demanding production environments. 

5. What level of automation and control integration do you provide? 

Today’s processing systems depend on precise automation. Ask if your manufacturer can integrate controls that simplify operation and enhance consistency. 

With complete control integration, including PLCs, HMIs, and automation software, APEC can help you scale as your production grows. 

6. Can your equipment grow with my business? 

A good investment should last beyond your current production volume. Ask about upgrade paths and scalability. 

With APEC’s modular system design, you can expand capacity, add ingredients, or integrate new technologies without rebuilding your entire line. 

7. How do you handle installation and startup? 

A smooth transition sets your team up for long-term success. Make sure to ask who’s responsible for set-up and training. 

APEC provides full installation support, startup assistance, and on-site operator training—so your team can get running quickly and confidently. 

8. What after-sale support do you provide? 

The relationship shouldn’t end at installation. Ask about spare parts availability, technical support, and service responsiveness. 

Our service and support team provides field service, parts, and equipment rebuilds. APEC customers have direct access to technicians who know their systems inside and out. 

9. What industries and clients have you worked with? 

Experience matters. Ask for examples of projects similar to yours to gauge the manufacturer’s industry knowledge. 

APEC has decades of experience across industries—from pet food and animal feed to snack food and specialty chemical manufacturing. Our expertise helps clients avoid costly mistakes and optimize production efficiency. 

10. Can I see examples or case studies of your work? 

Seeing real-world applications shows how the manufacturer solves challenges like yours. 

We regularly share customer success stories demonstrating how our process automation solutions improve accuracy, consistency, and throughput. 

11. How do you ensure product quality and consistency? 

Quality control should be built into every stage—from design to final inspection. 

APEC follows strict quality assurance standards, ensuring every system is designed, fabricated, and tested to meet the highest performance expectations. 

Partner with a Manufacturer Who Understands Your Process 

Selecting the right equipment manufacturer is about partnership. With the right team by your side, they will understand your goals, adapt to your materials, and deliver a system that works as hard as you do. 

At APEC, we’ve built our reputation on precision engineering, reliable automation, and long-term customer relationships. If you’re evaluating equipment for your next project, our team is ready to help you ask the right questions—and find the right solutions. 

Contact us today to discuss your process challenges or request a custom quote.