Mad McIntosh Installation and Startup

Overview

Mad McIntosh Cidery is a startup company based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, which specializes in the production of various alcoholic apple ciders. Mad McIntosh has not started production, but is slated to do so by 1 January 2021. As a result, co-owner and head brewmaster Angela Eliasz has been performing a majority of the necessary startup activity. Our task was to assist in this process by creating an installation and startup schedule, production planning schedule, and an updated floor plan drawing.

Objectives

Our objective was to assist Angela Eliasz in developing various documents necessary for Mad McIntosh’s startup and sustained success. As previously mentioned, a startup schedule, production schedule, and updated floor plan were drafted to assist in the startup process and allow for cider production to begin by the first of the year.

Approach

-Conducted weekly Zoom meetings with Angela Eliasz to discuss project deliverables.

-Participated in bi-weekly faculty-sponsor meetings to discuss project progress.

-Engaged in multiple meetings to adequately understand the cider making process and associated equipment.

-Developed a project Gantt chart to accurately track progress of deliverables throughout the semester.

-Created a startup schedule in conjunction with the project Gantt chart.

-Designed an updated floor plan and production schedule in accordance with Angela Eliasz.

Outcomes

Once cider production begins at the Mad McIntosh facility, production can be monitored and sustained for future use. Furthermore, process characteristics such as machine availability and percent loss can be recorded for personal records and government reports.