USA, MI: Kalamazoo based Bell's Brewery expanding to Escanaba

Kalamazoo-based Bell's Brewery is expanding to Escanaba where it expects to open a brewery at the Delta County Airport property next year.

Construction of the $1.6 million Upper Hand Brewery began in early November on a five-acre parcel, the Daily Press of Escanaba reported on December 25.

"We're looking at the first week in June to complete the building," said Kim Johnson, site superintendent for the general contractor, Gunlach Champion.

Construction of the beer-brewing and bottling operation is on schedule, Bell's Brewery President Larry Bell said.

"Everything seems to be moving along well on the construction as well as with our equipment purchasing," he said last week.

Also underway is the licensing process, with job interviews for five positions expected to start in January, Bell said.

Bell's employs more than 200 people at its brewery and pub in Kalamazoo, a distribution center in Galesburg, and a brewery and corporate office in Comstock.

The Escanaba brewery will manufacture and distribute beer, and have a sampling room, but will not sell beer directly to the public.

Bell's also is investing $15 million in its Kalamazoo brewery. That project includes a new fermentation cellar, refrigeration space, a wastewater treatment facility, and work at the office building and pub.

27 December, 2013