(Austin, TX) – Austin Beerworks, a canning microbrewery in its second year of production, is on pace to increase sales nearly 400% over the previous year, making it one of the fastest growing breweries in the country. The brewery credits a strong local following for its success. “With the exception of a few festivals and special events in other cities, 100% of our sales are in Austin”, says Austin Beerworks co-founder Michael Graham. “We’re selling everything we can make within a 20 mile radius of the brewery. Austin is an amazing beer town.”
2012 has been a big year for Austin Beerworks. Highlights include:
- Addition of (2) 60bbl and (4) 90bbl Fermentation Tanks and (2) 90bbl Brite Tanks
- Hiring 7 new full-time employees
- Increasing canning line output from 12 cases/hour to 100 cases/hour
- Over $1,000,000 in new equipment purchased
According to Graham, the brewery’s choice to self-distribute has been instrumental in funding their growth. “In addition to maintaining direct relationships with our accounts, self-distribution allows us to generate pretty high margins. Our expansion has been paid entirely through cash flow.”
In regard to their plans for 2013, Graham says “We have 3 more 90bbl tanks on the way and we just secured a 6,500 sq ft distribution warehouse. We plan to start offering Seasonals in 16oz 4-packs, as well as mixed 12-packs of our year-round beers. We’ll have the capacity to produce about 15,000 barrels next year. We don’t plan on growing that fast, but it’s nice to have the option.”
Austin Beerworks is an award-winning craft brewery based in Austin, Tx. For more information visit: http://austinbeerworks.com
