From New Orleans CityBusiness (www.neworleanscitybusiness.com)
ABITA SPRINGS - The first kegs to be produced by Franke Beverage Systems at its new Ruston facility will be for Abita Brewing Co., the companies said today.
The Swiss-based group is the only manufacturer of beer kegs in the United States
and also supplies for Anheuser-Busch Cos., Coors and Miller.
Abita's order for 2,028 half kegs will be the first off Franke's production line this month, Abita President David Blossman said.
"It is extremely satisfying that our first customer is from our home state," said Carl Norgren, general manager of the Ruston plant.
Franke has maintained a manufacturing plant in Ruston since 1996. Until now, the Ruston site was primarily used to make kitchen sinks.
Abita, founded in Abita Springs in 1986, is the oldest and largest craft brewer in the Southeast, the 32nd largest commercial brewer by production volume in the nation and the 16th largest craft brewer in the United States.
Sales for the company are expected to exceed $16 million this year.