Insights from a bottling manager and how Clevertech’s team backed him at every step

When wineries invest in automation - whether to reduce manual labor, boost performance, or keep production running smoothly - another question becomes just as important: Will the supplier be there to support us when we need them?

At Oak Ridge Winery, Bottling Manager Steven Uline recently oversaw the installation of a Clevertech bulk depalletizer, case erector, and partition inserter into their existing bottling line. For him, the decision wasn’t only about the capabilities of the machinery. It was also about having confidence that the level of after-sales service and support would remain dependable over the long term.

“Clevertech’s quality of support is great,” Uline says. “They were very responsive to our specific challenges and committed to finding solutions that worked for us. During installation, we kept a punch list of open items and worked through it together.”  His team adapted to the new equipment quickly, and when questions came up, assistance often arrived the same day. That responsiveness made the integration smoother and gave mechanics and operators confidence as they learned the system.

Clevertech’s After-Sales Manager John Feeley explains that the company’s North American service structure is designed with this kind of customer experience in mind. For more than a decade, Clevertech has operated a full service and support headquarters in Fort Myers, Florida, staffed with more than 30 mechanical, electrical, and automation technicians positioned throughout North America. Their familiarity with U.S. production environments allows them to provide practical, rapid assistance when it matters most.

"This service-first structure reflects how Clevertech positions itself, not just as an equipment provider, but as a long-term operational partner." Feeley notes that the Fort Myers facility stocks commonly needed spare parts, with the ability to source or produce specialized components when required. Many issues can also be resolved through Clevertech’s remote-diagnostics capabilities, which help reduce—or even prevent—downtime by eliminating the need for an onsite visit.  

Service Manager Yvan Montauti adds that consistent communication is another core part of their approach. Some companies prefer weekly or monthly check-ins to review system performance or planned maintenance, and the service team adjusts to each site’s preferences. For operations seeking additional coverage, Clevertech offers scheduled preventive maintenance and software audits tailored to each facility.

For Uline, the combination of responsive communication, effective problem-solving, and knowledgeable technicians made the transition to new automation far less daunting. Instead of wondering whom to call or how long a fix might take, he found the support to be steady, straightforward, and reliable.

Oak Ridge’s experience working with Clevertech reflects this approach: equipment that performs reliably, backed by a U.S.-based support team that responds quickly, communicates clearly, and remains engaged well beyond installation.

As wineries consider new investments in bottling or packaging automation, it becomes clear that the equipment itself is only part of the decision. The long-term relationship—how installation is handled, how quickly issues are addressed, and how well the supplier understands the customer’s operation—often has just as much impact on day-to-day performance.

To learn more about Clevertech’s support services or equipment options, contact Beth Zarnick-Duffy, Sales Manager, at 814-571-1768 or by email: b.zarnick@clevertech-group.com.