(Durango, CO) — Ska Brewing Co. announced that they are near completion of an expansion project that will increase the brewery’s capacity by 70%. On March 16, the brewery will be receiving and installing the final two of four new outdoor fermenter tanks. Each tank holds 240 barrels, or about 7,440 gallons. (In the U.S., a beer barrel (bbl) is equivalent to 31 gallons.)
The addition of the four tanks will result in a production capacity increase of approximately 70%. In 2010, operating at maximum capacity, Ska produced just over 15,000 barrels of beer, in the process moving from “microbrewery” to “regional craft brewery” status as defined by the Brewer’s Association.
Ska Brewing opened its new Durango world headquarters, which includes a brewery and tasting room, in December 2008. The Ska Brewing team designed the new facility from the ground up, allowing them to create a space purpose-built for brewing—and one that would allow for expansion as the company grew.
“With this increase in capacity we can meet demand and make sure we take good care of our current markets. We’re focused on delivering the highest quality craft beer we can make, and people seem to be responding to what we’re doing,” said Ska President and Co-Founder Dave Thibodeau. Ska currently distributes in nine states and two other countries.
The capacity increase follows on the heels of the installation of a second canning line in October, which allowed the brewery to keep up with demand for its canned offerings, including Modus Hoperandi IPA, Special ESB Ale, Euphoria Pale Ale and True Blonde Ale. The brewery plans to release its seasonal Mexican Logger in cans for the first time this spring.
About Ska Brewing
Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and now produces over a dozen award-winning beers including the Pinstripe Red Ale, True Blonde Ale and Steel Toe Stout. Four Ska beers are now widely available in cans: ESB Special Ale, True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi IPA and the winter seasonal Euphoria Pale Ale. For information, music and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com. Chat us up and get the latest news at facebook.com/skabrew and twitter.com/skabrewing.