The programme includes doubling the size of the brewery’s existing lager cellar, the installation of a second bottling line and two additional fermenters.
Initial work on the lager cellar expansion will begin shortly, with the second bottling line expected to be installed by November.
As with the existing bottling line, the new line will have a capacity of 1200 bottles a minute and will be dedicated for Coopers’ traditional products, including Pale Ale, Sparkling Ale, Mild Ale and Stout, which make up more than 70% of production.
The existing bottling line will then be used for the other beers produced at Coopers, including the lager range incorporating Sapporo and Carlsberg, and other packaging formats.
Coopers’ MD, Dr Tim Cooper, said the expansion followed continued growth in beer sales and a strong profit performance in the 2011-12 financial year.
In the 12 months to June 30, 2012, Coopers’ turnover rose 7.6% to a record $186.3m, while after tax profit reached a record $27.2m, up 18% on the $23m in 2010-2011.
Source: Coopers Brewery
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