As companies strive to modernize operations without the disruption and cost of building entirely new facilities, brownfield integration has become a powerful solution.
This approach focuses on upgrading existing infrastructure—often replacing aging, space-consuming, and inefficient systems with smarter, more compact equipment. At Ryson, we’ve positioned ourselves at the heart of this movement, offering vertical conveying solutions that not only meet the technical challenges of brownfield environments but also enhance long-term facility performance.
Ryson spiral conveyors are perfect for brownfield integration. Their compact footprint and flexible configurations fit tight spaces with minimal layout changes. Our modular design supports custom infeed and discharge heights. Curved configurations are also available. These features allow smooth integration into nearly any production or distribution environment. That’s especially helpful in facilities with limited space or rigid structures.
Technical complexity is a common concern when retrofitting older facilities, but Ryson’s collaboration with leading system integrators eliminates much of the guesswork. Our equipment arrives ready to integrate, with controls interface options and mechanical design tailored to the integrator’s system architecture. We work closely with our partners from project concept through installation, providing detailed CAD drawings, application engineering support, and fast communication to ensure smooth implementation.
A Collaborative Approach to Vertical Conveyance
This collaborative approach has proven successful time and again. For example, one of our longstanding partnership with Bastian Solutions exemplifies the value of combining vertical conveying expertise with full-system integration. In their article “Material Handling Automation for Existing Facilities,” Bastian explains how brownfield projects can be executed in as little as 6 to 12 months, offering faster ROI and reduced disruption compared to new builds. Their system-level knowledge, combined with Ryson’s compact, reliable spirals, makes for a retrofit solution that maximizes existing space and operational uptime.
As outlined in our own blog post, “Why Ryson Spirals are Ideal for Brownfield Projects,” our equipment’s modularity, small footprint, and ease of installation make it a go-to choice for integrators working on modernization efforts. Whether the project involves replacing inefficient incline belts or rerouting product flow within a legacy warehouse, Ryson spirals streamline the upgrade process—saving both time and space.
The Ryson Advantage
Ryson spirals offer another unique advantage—modularity. You can easily adjust or expand them as your needs evolve. We call this “future proofing.” For example, if you add another level later, you can extend the conveyor height without replacing the entire machine. In most cases, these modifications happen on-site and often take just one day. That keeps downtime minimal and operations running smoothly. This flexibility supports both expected and unexpected future changes, extends equipment lifespan, and helps reduce the total cost of ownership.
Ryson recently published a white paper on upgrading legacy conveyors, and how Ryson Spirals can help increase your throughput and save valuable floor space.
Ultimately, brownfield integration is about making the most of what you already have while preparing for what’s next. Ryson’s spirals provide a low-risk, high-impact way to elevate facility performance, and our deep collaboration with integrators ensures every solution is not only functional, but optimized for real-world demands. With Ryson, vertical conveying becomes one less thing to worry about—because we’ve engineered it to be the easiest part of your brownfield strategy.
