Owning your own brine maker can change the game for ice management

In the world of snow and ice management, timing is everything. When a winter storm is on the horizon, contractors scramble to pre-treat surfaces, mobilize crews, and deliver on service agreements. Salt brine — an increasingly popular pre-treatment solution — can make or break your operation's efficiency. But if you're still relying on external suppliers for salt brine, you may be putting your business at risk during peak demand.

For contractors who've scaled beyond a few trucks and lots, investing in an in-house salt brine maker isn't just a convenience, it's a strategic upgrade that can transform your workflow, margins and reputation.

Why salt brine matters

Salt brine is a liquid solution typically made from 23.3% sodium chloride and water. Applied before a storm, it prevents snow and ice from bonding to pavement, making post-storm cleanup faster and more effective. It's cost-efficient, more environmentally friendly, and increasingly expected by clients who want proactive service.

But here's the catch: When everyone needs brine at the same time, suppliers get overwhelmed. That's where owning your brine maker changes the game.

The contractor's dilemma: Timing is crucial

Let's say you have a dozen trucks, a few municipal contracts, and a growing list of commercial clients. You're ready to pre-treat before a storm, but your brine supplier is backed up. You wait. You call. You compromise. And suddenly, your crews are delayed, your clients are frustrated, and your reputation takes a hit.

Here's what contractors face when relying on external brine suppliers:

Delivery delays: During peak weather events, suppliers often can't keep up with demand.

Transport costs: Hauling brine adds time, fuel, and wear to your fleet.

Limited mix options: Most suppliers offer standard blends, which may not suit your specific needs according to the contracts you have sold.

Storage constraints: Without control over production, you're limited in how much you can stockpile.

These issues aren't just inconvenient, they're costly. And they become more frequent as your business grows.

The brine maker advantage

Owning your salt brine maker puts you in control. It's like flipping a switch from reactive to proactive operations. Here's how contractors benefit:

1.  On-demand production. No more waiting for deliveries. With your own system, you can produce brine whenever you need it — before, during or after a storm. That means faster deployment, better service, and fewer headaches.
   
   
2. Custom blends for better performance. Different jobs call for different mixes. Want to add beet juice for better adhesion? Magnesium chloride for colder temps? With an in-house brine maker, you can tailor your blend to match the conditions and client expectations with custom blends suited for different locations.
   
   
3. Lower cost per gallon. Contractors who produce their own brine often cut costs by 30%-50% compared to buying pre-mixed solutions. Over time, those savings add up — especially if you're using tens of thousands of gallons per season.
   
   
4. Operational efficiency. Crews can fill trucks faster, pre-treat more consistently, and respond to weather changes with agility. That means fewer missed windows and more satisfied clients.
   
   
5. Scalability. As your business grows, your brine production can scale with it. Most systems are modular, allowing you to expand capacity without overhauling your setup.
   
   
6. Competitive edge. Clients notice when you're prepared. Owning a brine maker signals professionalism and reliability. It can help you win bids, retain contracts, and stand out in a crowded market.
   
   
7. Brine as a business. Some contractors use their brine maker to supply others. If you have excess capacity, you can sell salt brine to smaller operors who aren't ready to invest. It's a win-win: you offset costs, and they get reliable supply.

When's the right time for your company to jump into brine making?

If you're consistently using large volumes of brine, facing supplier delays, or looking to improve service quality, the time is now. Owning a brine maker gives you control, flexibility, and resilience — exactly what contractors need to thrive in winter operations. You need to do your homework and decide on the appropriate system size and water flow to make sure you are getting exactly what your location can handle.

It's not just about mixing salt and water. It's about mixing strategy with execution. And for contractors ready to level up, brine independence is the next step. For more information and to see machines and speak with vendors, come to the annual SIMA Symposium in Cincinnati OH, June 23—26, 2026.

Key considerations before buying a brine maker

Before making the decision to invest in a brine-making operation, make sure to consider the following:

Volume needs: Estimate your average and peak usage. If you're using more than 25,000 gallons per season, you're likely ready for in-house production.

Space and setup: You'll need room for the brine maker, salt storage, water access, and finished brine tanks. Some systems are portable; others are fixed. Choose what fits your operation and space.

Mixing capabilities: Look for systems that support additives and custom blends. Flexibility is key to maximizing performance. Make sure your water flow can supply the machine you are looking to purchase since many locations have poor water flow.

Automation and monitoring: Modern units offer salinity sensors, flow control, and remote access. These features improve consistency and reduce labor. The cost variance is major at this level.

Training and maintenance: Make sure your team is trained to operate and maintain the system. Most manufacturers offer support, but internal know-how is essential.

Contractor spotlight: From bottleneck to brine boss

Take the example of a regional contractor servicing commercial lots and municipal roads across three counties. Before investing in a brine maker, they relied on a supplier 40 miles away. During storms, they'd wait hours — or days — for deliveries. After installing a brine maker, everything changed:

• They produced brine ahead of storms, eliminating delays.

• Custom blends improved performance on high traffic lots and locations.

• Annual savings exceeded $25,000.

They began selling excess brine to smaller contractors, creating a new revenue stream. The brine maker didn't just solve a problem — it became a growth engine.

Mike McCarron is president and founder of Image Works Landscape Management, a commercial landscape maintenance and snow removal firm in the Northern Virginia market. He has 20+ years of industry experience. Email him at mike@imageworkslandscaping.com.