Royal Docks step up craft beer production
Royal Docks Brewing Co is using WaveGrip to increase carrier application speeds, and is one of the first to use the WaveGrip Colours range, using the Fury Red carrier to complement its own branding.
Based in Canton, Ohio, Royal Docks was named the fifth-fastest growing brewery in the US in 2017. Having previously partnered with a canning company, Royal Docks switched to its own canning line in 2017. To keep pace with its ongoing growth, it required a faster and less labour-intensive solution for a carrier and chose the G1 Applicator. The G1 is currently running at just over 50cpm consistently to fit with the rest of the canning line and restrictions on manpower.
Commenting on the set-up, brewmaster Dave Sutula says: “Thanks to our PS Angelus Filler, we could be running at 60cpm – well within the 100cpm limit of the G1. Currently WaveGrip is handling our requirements so smoothly at 52, that I have no doubt it could handle up to 60.”
“We’re on track to be a 4200-barrel brewery in the next few months and thanks to the G1 and our new canning line, we think 80% of our output will be packaged products.”
Alongside the increase in efficiency thanks to the G1 applicator, the WaveGrip carrier range also played a huge part in the decision-making process. With bottles being banned at most public pools, beaches, parks and even golf courses, cans were the smart choice for Royal Docks. This meant a lightweight but secure multi-pack was needed.
WaveGrip weighs less than 4g for a standard six-pack ring carrier, and uses less material than any other multi-packing solution. Additionally, all WaveGrip carriers are 100% recyclable and meet current US packaging regulations by being photodegradable.
WaveGrip managing director, Aaron McIvor, comments: “We’re so glad our G1 is the perfect fit for another craft brewer. We designed this machine to be suited for a wide range of business sizes and I’m particularly happy we can keep up with the current demand of Royal Docks and with the potential for more packaging output when they choose.”
