Dark Star gets new canning line
The most recent investment is the installation of a new canning line, which was fitted in at the brewery in Partridge Green, near Horsham, in December.
The line features a seven-head, in-line can filler, which can fill up to 35 cans a minute. Currently undergoing testing to ensure all quality parameters are being met, 440ml and 330ml cans of Dark Star beers will be on sale in the near future.
Alongside the canning line, there is also a new cold store and bar area at the brewery, meaning the site has a functioning bar for future events.
Proposed deal
This follows the news that Fuller’s agreed to sell its brewing business to Japanese beer brand Asahi for £250m.
The proposed deal includes Fuller's cider, soft drinks, wine wholesaling and distribution business, as well as its beer and brewing operations.
This means Fuller's historic Griffin brewery and its Cornish Orchards, Dark Star and Nectar Imports brands will also move to Asahi's ownership.
Asahi Europe Limited will receive the beer business's brands, which includes London Pride, as well as the benefits of a licence "on a perpetual, global, exclusive and royalty-free basis".
Further evidence
On the topic of the new investments, Dark Star managing director James Cuthbertson said: “It is fantastic to have a customised canning solution installed at the brewery.
“The new line allows us to be as fanatical over the quality of our canning process as we are over the brewing process.
“We will also have the freedom to can many more of our beers throughout the year and there are already plans in place to work alongside key retailers to produce some bespoke products.
“The installation of a new canning line is further evidence of Fuller’s commitment to working alongside the team at Dark Star to improve the brewery and ensure great-quality beer, in a variety of packaging, continues to flow from Partridge Green for years to come.”
This news comes a few months after Dark Star signed a new 10-year lease on the existing site at Partridge Green.
