When a Philadelphia-based distillery began planning a new phase of its vodka production, the team quickly realized that sourcing the right equipment would be more complex—and more expensive—than expected. One of their most critical needs was custom stainless steel tote tanks that could support safe handling, storage, and production of spirits. Off-the-shelf options were not sufficient, and customization was unavoidable.

The distillery first approached local equipment suppliers to obtain quotes. While those suppliers could provide standard stainless steel tanks, the moment custom requirements were introduced, pricing escalated sharply. Features such as additional access lids, integrated sight glasses, and food-grade stainless steel specifications pushed the total cost far beyond the client’s budget—especially since two matching 1200L tote tanks were required.

At that point, the distillery reached out to We Find Supply to see what alternatives might exist.

tote tank stainlees steel

The Challenge: Customization Made Local Quotes Too Expensive

Local suppliers typically treat customization as a premium service. Each modification is priced separately, which quickly compounds overall cost. For this project, the client needed more than a basic tank—they needed equipment designed around their actual production workflow. While the quality of local offerings was acceptable, the pricing structure made the investment difficult to justify.

This is a common scenario for distilleries launching new projects or expanding capacity: customization is essential, but local sourcing alone often limits cost efficiency.

Our Approach: To Find Custom Stainless Steel Tote Tanks

After reviewing the client’s local quotes and technical requirements, our team applied our procurement technology and global manufacturing network to the project. Instead of pricing each customization as an add-on, we focused on sourcing a manufacturer that could engineer fully customized stainless steel tote tanks from the ground up.

Within a short timeframe, we identified a qualified manufacturer capable of producing two identical 1200-liter stainless steel tote tanks to exact specifications—without compromising material quality, hygiene standards, or durability.

Custom Features Included in Both Tote Tanks

Each 1200L stainless steel tote tank was designed specifically for distillery use and included:

  • Extra removable lids for easy filling, thorough cleaning, and routine maintenance
  • Integrated sight glass to allow real-time monitoring of liquid levels
  • High-quality food-grade stainless steel, ensuring hygiene, corrosion resistance, and long service life
  • Precision fabrication to support safe, efficient vodka handling and storage

Because both tanks were built to identical specifications, the distillery also benefited from simplified operations, easier staff training, and reduced maintenance complexity.

tote tank stainless steel in the frame of steel

The Result: $3,650 Saved on Just Two Custom Stainless Steel Tote Tanks

By sourcing only two customized stainless steel tote tanks through We Find Supply, the Philadelphia distillery saved $3,650 compared to local supplier quotes. After seeing the final outcome, the client noted that if most of their equipment had been sourced using the same procurement approach, the total project savings would have been substantial. At the same time, they expressed disappointment that deeper sourcing research was not conducted earlier in the project.

This real-world example clearly demonstrates why starting a new distillery project without thorough sourcing research can significantly increase costs. Even on a small portion of equipment, strategic sourcing delivered measurable financial benefits.

Why Early Sourcing Research Matters

Custom equipment is often unavoidable in distillery operations. However, when sourcing decisions are made too late—or without exploring global manufacturing options—budgets can quickly spiral out of control. Early-stage research, supplier comparison, and procurement strategy play a critical role in controlling capital expenses.

At We Find Supply, we help distilleries and beverage producers avoid these costly mistakes by combining advanced procurement technology, vetted manufacturers, and global sourcing expertise. The result is custom-built equipment that meets exact requirements—at a cost that supports long-term growth and profitability.