IN PICTURES: installation of four new beer tanks

This year, the start of spring was accompanied by a new expansion in capacity. On Thursday 21 March, we installed four brand new beer tanks, two of which will be used for our Kasteel Rubus Framboise. A year and a half ago, we expanded our annual capacity by 12.5%, our first expansion since moving to Izegem. Even then, there was talk of installing three extra tanks. However, three would quickly turn into four, collectively accounting for a 10% capacity increase. As ever, the installation made for some spectacular images.

Smooth installation

As was the case in 2022, the frames upon which the tanks would be installed were first erected. According to Maikel Vanden Broucke, Head of Automation, ‘those works happened a week beforehand and went very smoothly. On the day itself, we started erecting the cranes at 7 am. Around 9 am, the first tank was being lofted into the air and before noon, the second tank was also in place. The transport then drove back to Menin to pick up the remaining tanks. Finally, a little after 4 pm, all the tanks were in place. All according to plan.’

Following the installation, we then proceeded with the integration to our facility. ‘To complete the installation, production was halted for two weeks, allowing us to fine-tune everything. As of 15 April, the new tanks are in full operation for the fermentation and lagering of our specialty beers’.

With a new annual capacity of 220,000 hl, there is plenty of room to continue growing. Hans Mehuys

Room to grow

The four tanks – boasting capacities of 750, 1,000, 1,200 and 1,500 hl respectively – together account for a 10% capacity increase. ‘Since our expansion in 2022, we have continued to invest in our beer brands, resulting in a continued rise in demand’, explains Production Manager Hans Mehuys. ‘On top of that, we have renewed our presence within the United States, where volumes are starting to pick up nicely. Finally, this year also saw the successful launch of Kasteel Rubus Framboise, from which we expect quite high volume in terms of sales. What’s also encouraging is that, with a new annual capacity of 220,000 hl, there’s still room to keep on growing.’