USA, WI: MobCraft Inc to expand to Milwaukee

MobCraft Inc., a Madison-based brewing company that polls customers to guide its craft selections, will expand to Milwaukee and join the spirited Walker’s Point neighbourhood, Milwaukee Business Journal reported on April 7.

The small brewer plans to start mashing, fermenting and packaging at 505 S. Fifth St. by the end of the year, if it receives a zoning variance for the warehouse space it is leasing. The Board of Zoning Appeals will hear the petition on April 16.

If successful, MobCraft would join Milwaukee Brewing Co., Great Lakes Distillery and Central Standard Craft Distillery in producing adult beverages in the Walker’s Point area.

MobCraft CEO Henry Schwartz said on April 6 that the brewer will invest $2.06 million in the operation to provide an initial brewing capacity of 3,600 barrels per year. The future capacity could grow to 25,000 barrels, he said.

MobCraft launched in 2013 with a unique formula, even for the craft beer industry. It accepts suggestions for new brews each month and conducts an online poll of the flavor offerings. Then it produces the top vote-getter for distribution.

Since its inception, MobCraft has brewed through an equipment-sharing agreement with the House of Brews in Madison. That arrangement restricted its capacity. The company produced about 400 barrels of beer in 2014, according to Schwartz.

08 April, 2015