Upon entering the century-old F.X. Matt Brewing Co. offices in Utica, N.Y., visitors are greeted with Victorian-era furnishings, including an old bank teller counter with a slanted bottom to accommodate women’s hoop skirts. Historic furnishings like this continue throughout the 400,000-square-foot campus. However, despite its historical appearance, the facility offers many modern touches.
Wrapping up its 125th anniversary celebration this month, the company produced approximately 350,000 barrels of beer and 250,000 cases of carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) last year all from its Utica facility, according to Nick Matt, chairman and chief executive officer, and Fred Matt, president and chief operating officer. In addition to Saranac-branded CSDs, the brewery manufactures a lineup of beers under its flagship Saranac brand as well as its Utica Club, High Peaks and Lake Placid brands in addition to contract-produced beers. Its Saranac beers account for more than half of the company’s sales, while Utica Club makes up 5-10 percent of sales, Nick says. Contract brewing makes up one-third of its business, he adds.