Riverbend Malt House installed this massive 10 metric tonne Germination Kiln Vessel (GKV) last week and is expected to get the additional malt production going in coming weeks. This equipment complements a new 10 tonne steep tank that was installed earlier this year.
Collectively, all of the new equipment in the Asheville-based malt house increases Riverbend’s overall craft malt production capacity by more than 50 percent.
“Riverbend’s sales grew by more than 40 percent in 2021 and we don’t see that growth rate tapering in 2022,” noted Scott Hickman, Riverbend Malt House CEO. “This new equipment is a critical part of an effort to be prepared for anticipated demand.”
Riverbend Malt House has been on a quest to connect Southeastern family owned farms and fermenters since 2010 when co-founders Brent Manning and Brian Simpson launched Riverbend, the first craft malthouse east of the Mississippi River, in Asheville, N.C. Its 70,000 foot production facility helps breweries and distilleries large, small, and in-between stand out with flavor, locality, and community in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Last year, Asheville local Hillman Beer Company made the switch to Riverbend as their primary base malt provider, and that move has created consistency in an otherwise unstable supply chain.
“It’s comforting as we celebrate our second year anniversary at our second location this week to know we’re going into our future with a great local partner who we can count on for consistency and quality,” says Co-Owner Brad Hillman.
With more craft malt production for brewers and distillers comes increased purchasing of grain from local, family-owned farming partners, and the hiring of additional employees at above Living Wage levels.
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