Merlin’s magical growth

The Group (Merlin’s Beverages and its affiliate, Alex Melcovich BH) is a manufacturer of premium drinks, operates two new ​state​-of-the-ar​​t medium-sized plants in Romania and has seen an out-and-out boom in demand for its vitamin-enriched water ​range ​made to the firm’s exclusive​ ​recipes. It is the best-seller in the company’s portfolio and is available in numerous variants, tailored for any taste. Merlin’s product range is complemented by lemonades, iced tea, flavoured carbonated soft drinks and cola beverages. 

The ​creativity and courage to dream big of two youngsters ​laid ​the foundation for the success of the Merlin’s Vitamin Aqua brand. In 201​5​, they mustered all their entrepreneurship and started to develop and market this popular beverage. 

Today, their drinks are available in all of Romania’s major retail chains and petrol stations, while exports to other European countries are also increasing. Firmly on track for expansion, the company depends on efficient production systems tailored to its specific needs. But this is not the first time that the ​young entrepreneurs ​have approached Krones.

Indeed, the group has been involved in the start-up’s development from the very beginning. In 2019, when the young entrepreneurs went looking for machines for their new range of carbonated products, they knew that Krones and Kosme would offer the best solutions, especially for ​​​medium​ outputs. So they contacted Mr. Razvan Rădoi straight away: “As we grew, we knew that we needed to expand our portfolio, maximize our product​​​ ​quality and enter the world of medium to big producers of beverages. Krones, of course, is the first name in the supply industry for bottling and it was our target to get the newest technology and partnership with one of the most reliable suppliers”, says Ruxandra Melcovich, CEO of Merlin’s Beverages.  

The company initially ordered various machines for stretch blow-moulding, filling and labelling PET bottles. “It’s so exciting for us, the sales team here in Romania, to watch Merlin’s Beverages climb higher and higher. Their team continues to translate their big dreams in even bigger deeds, and we’re pleased that they’ve put their trust in Krones technology and embarked​​ us in their journey,” says Razvan Edward Rădoi who heads the sales team at Krones Romania. 

Krones, of course, is the first name in the supply industry for bottling and it was our target to get the newest technology and partnership with one of the most reliable suppliers. Ruxandra MelcovichCEO of Merlin’s Beverages

One can, one aseptic

In 20​2​​4​, the decision was taken to install two turnkey Krones lines at a greenfield plant in Savinesti, N-E Romania, in an investment project with state aid for Alex Melcovich BH, in order to massively increase production capacities. 

• The new canning line for cola products is rated at 36,000 cans per hour and includes a Modulfill VFS-C filler and​​ a Contiflow mixer. A LinaFlex pasteuriser has been integrated to extend the shelf-life of the products.
• The aseptic line for filling vitamin-enriched water and flavoured non-carbonated soft drinks runs at the same speed as the canning line. At its heart is a Contipure AseptBloc with a VarioAsept M product UHT system and a downstream Sleevematic labeller. 
• The dry ends of both lines feature a Variopac Pro packer and a Modulpal Pro palletiser in different versions.

Another deal-clinching argument for ​the ​​management team of the ​Romanian group​ ​was Krones’ ability to supply not only the filling and packaging kit but dedicated water treatment equipment as well. The Hydronomic system will in future treat the ​​​​water ​​mains for the entire facility. Its sustainability-focused design and technology have won Merlin’s Beverages over. It is manufactured in stainless steel, so no chemicals are needed for cleaning it, and the use of hollow fibres for filtration cuts energy consumption. Yet another plus is the modular expansion options offered by the Hydronomic concept. The configuration chosen by​ the client ​comprises modules for media filtration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, and can be complemented by further functions if needed. “One of the key specifications of Alex Melcovich BH during the planning phase was a high degree of flexibility for both lines. We had a lot to offer in that respect, resulting in a holistically conceived layout that fully satisfies the client’s current requirements,” says Dan Dinu, Head of Krones Romania. 

“We appreciate and congratulate Krones’ SME business model approach and their flexibility towards the new generation of beverage producers. In a fast-moving economy that we live ​nowadays​ we need reliable and experienced suppliers,” says Alex Melcovich, owner of Alex Melcovich BH.