Received this press release from Great Raft Brewing today. Looks like we could see some of their beers here pretty soon!
- New fermenters in first phase to add 55 percent more production capacity
- Second phase targets South Louisiana launch in First Quarter 2015
August 7, 2014, SHREVEPORT, La. – Great Raft Brewing plans
to increase production by more than 160 percent with its expansion in 2014. The
expansion includes adding fermentation tanks that will increase capacity from
2,500 to 7,000 barrels (bbls) annually.
To better meet market
demand and ultimately grow into new markets within the region, Great Raft
Brewing will undergo a two-phase expansion over the next six months. The first
phase is underway now, as the team is installing two new 60 bbl fermenters that
will add 55 percent more production capacity. The additional capacity will help
Great Raft Brewing better fulfill distributor orders and maximize its footprint
within the North Louisiana markets it currently serves.
“We are excited for
the opportunity to serve our existing customer base more consistently, as well
as establish Great Raft Brewing within the state. We want to share our beer
with as many people in the region as possible, without overextending ourselves
or compromising quality,” said co-founder and vice president Lindsay Nations.
“Making the jump to New Orleans and surrounding markets is the next logical step
for us to be able to meet that goal.”
The second phase of
production expansion lays the groundwork for distribution expansion into South
Louisiana. Beginning in December and slated for completion in January 2015,
four additional 60 bbl fermenters and one 60 bbl brite tank will be added to
the cellar. This equipment will increase capacity by an additional 70 percent,
leading to a 163 percent increase in total capacity within the brewery’s first
year. The additional 240 bbls of fermentation space will be used to brew
products that will be shipped to South Louisiana.
Great Raft Brewing will release specifics around its plans
to enter South Louisiana later this year. Distributors and timelines have not
been announced.
In addition to an upgrade of brewing operations, Great Raft
Brewing will also work to launch a barrel aging program, expand in-house lab
capabilities, and add a meeting space at its Dalzell facility. The company
expects to create five new jobs as a result of the expansion.
Great Raft Brewing
brewed its first beer in October 2013, becoming the first Shreveport brewery to
operate and sell beer since prohibition. Since then, the brewery has produced
beer as fast as possible to keep up with demand for its products. In late March
2014, Great Raft expanded distribution into Monroe and Ruston markets, but
hasn’t been able to maximize the full potential of that market due to
production limitations.
Great Raft Brewing’s
location in Shreveport is on track to produce 2,500 bbls this year. The expansion
will give them the ability to produce close to 7,000 bbls in 2015. The current
cellar is taking up only a small footprint within the 27,000 square foot
warehouse, allowing for plenty of room for growth. “We knew from the very early
stages that we wanted to brew more beer than we would initially be able to
produce. That’s why we picked a building with growth potential. But we wanted
to take it slow, grow organically and be smart about it. Our growth in volume
will be met with a continued focused on quality. The equipment upgrades to our
lab and canning line give us invaluable insight into our beer. Additional
volume is great, but it will always come second to quality,” said co-founder
and president Andrew Nations.
More information about Great Raft Brewing can be found at
www.greatraftbrewing.com.
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About Great Raft Brewing: Great Raft Brewing is a
Shreveport, Louisiana based craft brewery dedicated to making creative,
authentic beer and helping to build a great beer culture within communities it
serves. Co-founders Andrew and Lindsay Nations are Shreveport natives with a
passion for beer. Born from their desire to bring exciting, flavorful, fresh
craft beer to their hometown, Great Raft Brewing is bringing the craft brewing
tradition to Northern Louisiana.
Information about Great Raft Brewing can be found at
www.greatraftbrewing.com. Learn more on Twitter
https://twitter.com/GreatRaftBeer and Facebook
www.facebook.com/greatraftbrewing.
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