FIFCO USA has unveiled a new $28m canning line at its Genesee Brewery facility in Rochester, New York, US.
With the installation of the new can line, the company aims to increase its production capacity and packaging efficiency for a range of brands, including Genesee, Labatt USA, Seagram’s Escapes, and Lipton Hard Iced Tea.
Spanning 78,000ft² within the brewery’s 27-acre campus, the new line is capable of producing 1,500 12oz cans per minute, and is expected to boost production capacity at the site to more than 15 million cases annually.
The line can handle various can sizes, including 7.5oz, 12oz slim cans, and 16oz cans, providing greater flexibility in packaging options, the company said.
The project has also contributed to job growth, with ten of the 57 newly created positions at the brewery over the past year directly tied to the new can line.
The project received support from New York State, which provided a $7m capital grant through Empire State Development while the City of Rochester contributed a $300,000 grant.
These funds are part of a broader $50m commitment announced in 2024, which aims to modernise the brewery and ensure its long-term sustainability.
FIFCO USA CEO Piotr Jurjewicz said: “We are thrilled to make this announcement which highlights the brewery’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable, high-performing brewery in New York State.
“The new can line represents the largest single investment from the $50m modernisation initiative announced last year. It will enable the brewery to produce at a much faster rate, supporting our brands while attracting additional contract manufacturing from out of state.”
In February last year, Genesee Brewery switched from plastic to environmentally friendly ring carriers for its beer products.
