Ft. Collins, CO – New Belgium Brewing (www.newbelgium.com) today announced that its 16,000 square foot canning line is complete and in full production. The system increases New Belgium’s canning volume capacity six-fold and has the capability to package both 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans.
“People are loving craft beer in a can so we decided to increase production to keep up with demand,” said Bryan Simpson, New Belgium spokesperson. “We first rolled out cans in 2008 as an outdoor-friendly, light for transport and readily recyclable vessel. Our fans enjoy that cans can travel to places where glass is not an option and now tallboys can come along, too.”
The new canning system, manufactured by KHS, features a 40-head filler capable of filling 360 cans per minute; the previous canning line filled 60 cans per minute.
Fat Tire and Ranger IPA are now available in 16-ounce can four-packs. New Belgium’s latest beer, Shift Pale Lager, debuts April 2 and will only be available in 16-ounce cans.
The canning line resides just east of New Belgium’s bottling facility on the brewery’s fifty-acre campus in Fort Collins, CO. New Belgium contracted Neenan Company of Fort Collins for construction. The canning line and facility cost nearly $8 million to build.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Belgo IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
