Abita Brewing Supports Louisiana Economic Development
Franke Beverage Systems, the world’s leading beer keg manufacturer, has announced that the very first beer kegs to be produced in the United States at their new Ruston, Louisiana facility will be manufactured for the Abita Brewing Company of Abita Springs, Louisiana. July 6, 2007 Franke Beverage Systems, the world’s leading beer keg manufacturer, has announced that the very first beer kegs to be produced in the United States at their new Ruston, Louisiana facility will be manufactured for the Abita Brewing Company of Abita Springs, Louisiana. Before the Swiss-based Group began the addition to the Ruston plant 80% of all beer kegs used worldwide were produced in Germany. Franke is the only manufacturer of beer kegs in the United States and also supplies Anheuser-Busch, Coors and Miller. Abita Beer Is Louisiana True “At Abita, we have always supported Louisiana by using the finest products from around the state in our brewing process,” said David Blossman, President of the Abita Brewing Company. “Louisiana strawberries, pecans and pure cane sugar are all good examples,” continued Blossman. “We’re pleased to be the very first customer of the new Franke plant in Ruston. Our order for 2,028 ½ kegs will be the first off the production line this month.” The Abita Brewing Company was founded in Abita Springs, Louisiana in 1986 and is the oldest and largest craft brewer in the southeast. They are the 32st largest commercial brewer by production volume in the nation and the 16th largest craft brewer in the United States. Sales for the company should exceed $16 million this year. Plant Expansion Means Jobs For Louisiana Franke has maintained a manufacturing plant in Ruston since 1996. Previously, the Ruston site was primarily focused on the manufacturing of kitchen sinks. The plant expansion created 50 new jobs in the area. Carl Norgren, General Manager of the Franke plant in Ruston said, “We are extremely proud to supply our first keg shipment to the Abita Brewing Company. It is extremely satisfying that our first customer is from our home State. Our new plant represents a significant investment and we are proud to contribute to the economic development of Louisiana.” |
