Brewery invests £850k in new canning line
The KHS Innofill canning line, described as the first of its type to be installed in the UK, is able to pack in two different can sizes and label smaller runs of beers in-line. The investment was facilitated with the help of HSBC UK and HSBC Asset Finance.
Magic Rock head brewer Stuart Ross said the installation of the new line followed two years of rapid expansion and increases in canned beer sales.
“Our goals were to increase efficiency, reduce beer losses, future-proof our packaging capacity and improve the stability and quality of the final product. With careful consideration and planning, we chose the KHS Innofill canning line,” said Ross.
Quality, footprint and price
Managing director Richard Burhouse added that the priorities for choosing the new canning line were quality, footprint and price – in that order.
“KHS delivered on all three fronts, with industry-leading quality standards, the smallest footprint of any comparable line and competitive pricing,” he added.
The brewer’s sales figures have increased steadily over the last three years – 53,000 cases sold in 2016, 79,000 in 2017 and 2018’s sales matching 2017 as of mid-October.
Further sales growth
Magic Rock said the new filling line would enable further sales growth in the can sector by allowing it to fill more cans faster and more efficiently with improved stability and shelf-life.
Commenting on the investment, HSBC UK’s senior commercial manager for West & North Yorkshire Matthew Joy said: “Magic Rock Brewing has been a pioneer in beer canning over the last three years, receiving international praise for bringing consistent high-quality produce to the UK and across the world.
“Care for craft has been matched with a clear business strategy and this latest investment supports the business to meet growing demand whilst improving its sustainable credentials.”
