A
new brewery housed inside
Wisconsin Brewing Firm Park in Oconomowoc isn’t the one method that Verona-based
Wisconsin Brewing Firm is seeking to increase its presence within the Milwaukee space.
Paul Verdu, president of Wisconsin Brewing Firm, mentioned the corporate is experiencing robust development throughout each its enterprise segments and is now focusing on the Milwaukee space to increase its Lake Louie Brewing model.
“Lake Louie as a model is absolutely robust round Dane County. We’re getting plenty of traction between right here and Milwaukee, in order that’s the subsequent hall we’re taking over,” mentioned Verdu.
Verdu beforehand ran the craft beer division at Chicago-based Molson Coors. Final April he left Molson Coors, formally becoming a member of the Wisconsin Brewing Firm staff in Could.
Wisconsin Brewing Firm has two most important segments: its Lake Louie Brewing model and its enterprise as a contract producer for different firms.
Lake Louie is at present present process an entire model revamp full with new packaging and a brand new visible identification. The model can even unveil a handful of recent beers this yr, together with an IPA referred to as Dank Beast.
“We now have excessive development expectations,” mentioned Verdu. “In a flat to down market, Lake Louie goes to develop simply because we’ve consolidated distributors and are actually specializing in one model.”
On the contract manufacturing facet of the enterprise, Wisconsin Brewing Firm helps different firms make every part from vitality drinks to non-alcoholic beers.
One of many firm’s extra high-profile clients is Austin, Texas-based EIGHT Brewing Co., which makes EIGHT Elite Gentle Lager — NFL Corridor of Famer Troy Aikman’s model. Wisconsin Brewing Firm added three new 480-barrel fermenters to assist assist the manufacturing course of for EIGHT Elite Lager. The brewery’s largest fermenters may beforehand maintain 240 barrels.
“We are able to tackle all types of drinks, so we’re not solely tied to the ups and downs of the craft beer world,” mentioned Verdu.
The corporate additionally has a long-term growth plan, which can finally embody the addition of a constructing at its Verona headquarters. Verdu mentioned a further six to eight workers may be part of the corporate because it grows within the subsequent yr.
This yr’s anticipated quantity output from the Verona brewery is predicted to be double final yr’s output. Verdu declined to reveal precise numbers.
The Verona headquarters is the corporate’s most important manufacturing facility whereas the brand new Oconomowoc brewery — Lake Louie Dockhouse — serves as a extra progressive operation.
The corporate’s newest capital elevate has gone towards funding its development. Wisconsin Brewing Firm has raised simply over $1 million of a $2 million fundraising objective, in accordance with a submitting with the Securities and Change Fee.
“We now have a unbelievable portfolio of beers that just about reply the decision for any craft beer drinker,” mentioned Verdu.  “A robust model backed by wonderful beers and it’s off to the races.”
