The 49th Annual Plant Construction Survey analyzes trends in investment, design and modernization of production facilities in the U.S. food and beverage processing sector. Here are the key insights.

_
A more selective investment environment

Industrial construction activity in the U.S. food sector remains stable or slightly slowed, but companies continue to invest in their production facilities. However, capital decisions are being made more cautiously, in a context marked by tariff pressures and economic volatility.

Projects are not cancelled, but are planned with greater discipline. In some cases, initial approval is delayed, although completion deadlines are maintained, resulting in tighter schedules and more demanding planning.

_
Parallel expansion and modernization

The report reflects a balance between new deployments and modernization of existing assets. Many companies are combining expansion with optimization of existing facilities to improve efficiency and control costs. The assessment of financial risk and exposure to material, energy and equipment costs has become more rigorous.

_
Efficiency and resilience oriented industrial design

Companies prioritize facilities that are ready to integrate advanced technologies, improve energy efficiency and strengthen supply chain resilience. Modular approaches and solutions that allow for future flexibility are gaining weight. Design becomes a strategic tool to ensure operational continuity and adaptation to a changing environment.

Regulatory changes as a driver for projects

Certain regulatory changes, such as those related to the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes, are driving reformulation and industrial adaptation processes. The need to incorporate natural alternatives generates new projects for both manufacturers and technology suppliers.

_
New criteria in the selection of locations

The availability of talent, access to reliable supplies, logistics infrastructure and government and local incentives continue to be key determinants. However, supply chain resilience and proximity to end markets are becoming more important.

The report points to growing activity in regions such as the Midwest and Southeast, where the availability of construction labor and associated costs are competitive. In addition, automation is changing the profile of talent required, increasing the importance of regions with the ability to train skilled technicians and engineers.

_
Automation and artificial intelligence as a structural backbone

Automation and artificial intelligence are consolidating their position as drivers of efficiency, flexibility and safety in production facilities.

The approach is evolving: it no longer responds only to talent shortages, but also to the need to strengthen business resilience and operational continuity. However, the definition of ROI and the shortage of technicians capable of maintaining advanced systems remain relevant barriers.

There is also growing interest in digital twin technologies that allow simulating scenarios before undertaking significant investments, reducing uncertainty and improving decision making.

_
Implications for amec alimentec members

Sustained investment in processing plants in the U.S. represents a real opportunity for Spanish machinery manufacturers, with several vectors of interest:

Automation with demonstrable ROI. Automation and AI are now purchasing criteria, not optional. Manufacturers that can demonstrate a concrete impact on costs and productivity will have an advantage in an increasingly demanding decision-making process.

Modularity and flexibility. The tendency to combine expansion with modernization of existing installations favors scalable solutions that can be integrated into existing lines, as opposed to high-cost equipment that is difficult to adapt.

Regulatory changes as leverage. The progressive elimination of synthetic colorants and other regulatory adaptations promoted by the new administration will generate adaptation needs in production lines – mixing, dosing, thermal processing, packaging – that represent specific business opportunities.

Responsiveness and local presence. Schedules are compressed: projects are approved late but must be executed on time. Having an installed reference, local technical support or an after-sales service partner in the U.S. will be more and more decisive to close deals.

Tariff risk: anticipate. The uncertainty of tariffs on European imports makes it necessary to review price structures and explore formulas to reduce exposure. Paradoxically, the current moment may be an opportune time to consolidate trade relations before a new scenario materializes.