Boulder Beer installs canning line from Palmer Canning Systems

Boulder Beer Co. is ramping up its efforts in the canned beer revolution, recently installing a new canning line from Palmer Canning Systems based in Chicago. This was the eighth canning line manufactured at Palmer’s Lafayette, Ind., shop.

The system is a rotary closed counter-pressure filler with made-in-the-USA valve components, producing extremely low can airs.

“The counter pressure system keeps air from touching the beer and makes a better product for longer,” said Tom Schnitzler, plant engineer at Boulder Beer Co. “With this new can line we will be able to get our canned beer out more consistently than ever before.”

The brewery then purchased a can depalletizer for the line from their friends at SKA Fabricating in Durango, Colo., subsidiary of SKA Brewing Co.

Currently, Boulder Beer Co. offers two brands in cans — Hazed & Infused year-round and Hoopla Pale Ale in the summer season. These brands have been canned using a mobile canning service, which was a helpful solution to getting some cans in the market prior to purchasing their own line. However, the brewery said it saw the opportunity for growth and efficiencies in purchasing its own line and decided to seal the deal with Palmer earlier this year.

The first test run happened in early April, and they are now seven runs in, each one getting faster and more efficient as they get used to the new machine. They are currently running 45 cans per minute with the capability to run 60 cans per minute. And with that efficiency comes new opportunity.

“It’s exciting to now have the ability to offer more of our beers in cans,” said Tess McFadden, marketing director at Boulder Beer. “You can expect to see 2 to 3 new canned offerings from us in the near future.”

Founded in 1979, Boulder Beer has been a pioneer in the craft brewing industry for 35 years, celebrating their milestone 35th Anniversary this year on June 14. The company’s passion for innovation keeps its brand mix diverse, offering a taste for every palate. Boulder Beer currently packages seven year-round beers, numerous rotating seasonals and periodically release very limited-edition, small-batch brews throughout the year.