Demand drive $5M upgrade at brewery

November 08, 2007

KALAMAZOO GAZETTE

BY JEFF BARR
jbarr@kalamazoogazatte.com
388-8581

COMSTOCK — Citing "an unquenchable thirst for Bell's," officials at Bell's Brewery Inc. announced plans Wednesday for a $5 million upgrade and expansion at its Comstock operation.

Bell's is expected to produce 90,000 barrels of beer this year, up from 57,000 in 2005, and the Comstock expansion increases production capacity to 140,000 barrels a year.

Nine acres of land for future expansions also have been purchased.

"Rather than make small improvements, we're taking a big step," said Larry Bell, the president of the company, formed in 1983. "The last few years have been terrific for us."

The investment includes six 200-barrel fermenters, one 400-barrel fermenter, a 10,000-spuare-foot warehouse with an energy-efficient "green" roof, a new keg line that can fill 280 kegs per hour and the purchase of 13,000 new kegs.

The project is expected to be completed in February, according to Bell's Vice President Angie Bell.

The expansion in Comstock comes on the heels of upgrades at Bell's downtown Kalamazoo location. Improvements at the Kalamazoo facility included the opening of a general store featuring Bell's merchandise.

Larry Bell said the Comstock expansion and land purchase will ensure capacity for growth.

"We wouldn't be making this kind of capital investment if we weren't confident about the appeal of our beer and the abilities of our team," he said.