A County Armagh brewery has invested £800,000 in new brewing equipment and canning machinery as it aims to grow sales throughout the Northern Ireland market.
Spadetown Brewing Company, established in 2021 by the founder of Belfast IT company Novosco Patrick McAliskey as well as Martin Dumigan, has commissioned three new fermenters and installed a new canning line at its Lurgan base.
The developments mean the site can now brew 2.3 million litres of beer a year and fill 2,200 cans per hour.
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“With additional capacity offered by our new fermenters and production efficiency improved by our new canning line, we’re equipped with the technology to capitalise on the significant opportunity Spadetown has in the market,” Spadetown co-founder Patrick McAliskey said. “The investment also solidifies our commitment to re-establishing and reinventing Lurgan’s rich brewing legacy; to preserve tradition, to create new employment opportunities and fertile ground for future investment in the local area, and to produce a premium export product that is unique to this place and its communities.”
As part of the company’s growth strategy, it has also hired two new senior team members.
Dave Graham, Spadetown’s new Brew Guru, is overseeing the development of the brewery’s three new product launches; a Raging Red Ale and Dark Cloud Stout, both of which will launch in the autumn, and a zero alcohol IPA due to be launched early next year.
He joins the Spadetown team alongside its new commercial director Annie David, who is tasked with developing the Spadetown brand proposition in the local market through new product launches, securing retail listings and increasing its availability on draught in watering holes across Northern Ireland.
She welcomed the investment.
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“This latest investment sees the launch of three new limited edition brews which will double our product range, building upon the early success of our core IPA, pilsner and lager to offer an assorted drinks selection, including a non-alcoholic option, to every consumer,” she said. “The new products also reflect the personality of Spadetown, which is unlike anything else available in the local market.
“It has an entirely unique, but also typically Northern Irish sensibility, which we believe is a huge selling point for the brand and will sustain its upward trajectory as we expand our presence and grow sales volumes through new listings in on- and off-trade establishments over the coming months.”