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Founded from humble beginnings 25 years ago, New Belgium Brewing started in the basement of its founder Kim Jordan and her husband, Jeff Lebesch, who, along with friends, produced the labels and delivered beer in their station wagon.

While attending the University of Vermont from 2004 to 2007, Andy Jones took notice of the impact that craft beer was having on the U.S. market. However, when he returned home to Washington, D.C., the presence of brands was inconsistent to what he had been accustomed to in Vermont.

Whether planning an expansion or a new facility, the ever-evolving beverage industry necessitates that those involved evolve with it. With trends like SKU proliferation and sustainability impacting the overall beverage industry, a slew of decisions need to be made when planning construction.

In 1948, Fred Kalil and his father opened the doors to Kalil Bottling Co. in Tucson, Ariz. The father-son team ran the company until it was handed down to Fred Kalil’s two sons, George and John, who now lead the bottling company and employ fourth-generation family members — making it not only a business, but a family tradition. 

Consumers’ demands for sustainability, as well as a societal drive to “go green,” have impacted the beverage industry in many ways. As companies within the beverage market increase their awareness and actively push to make their products and facilities more eco-friendly, suppliers across all areas of the industry have accommodated, and conveyors are no exception.

With the memorable theme song opening of “shlemiel, SCHLEMAZEL!, Hasenpfeffer Incorporated,” TV’s “Laverne and Shirley,” closes with the two friends “doing it their way” on the bottling line of Milwaukee’s fictitious Shotz Brewery. Although manufacturing facilities’ beer-capping lines have changed, speed, ease-of-use and flexibility are paramount for today’s processing automation equipment.