Comac and the Rebirth of Dixie Beer
Dixie was able to come back to New Orleans and launch its new headquarters featuring: Nearly 85,000 square feet (8 square kilometers), where two brewhouses are located together with a brand-new, fast-speed complete line, for kegging, bottling and canning, all manufactured by CFT – Comac
“Our experience with Comac in 3 words? A world-class manufacturing equipment”.
(Jim Birch, Dixie Beer General Manager)
Dixie Beer is a historic New Orleans beer brand in the United States.
Founded in 1907, the history of Dixie Beer has spanned more than a century; remaining strongly bonded to the Louisiana town. From its origins of the Prohibition, with both success and failure, Dixie has always managed to prevail. Despite every difficult moment, they continue to do what they known best: Crafting Quality Beer.
Last Rebirth and the Collaboration with Comac
August, 29th 2005 is a date that will forever remain in the memory of New Orleans and its coast. That day, hurricane Katrina crippled New Orleans and destroyed the entire production site of Dixie Beer. For the following fifteen years, produced its beer through the equipment of other companies (contract brewing).
In chaos always lies opportunity. And years later Dixie was able to come back to New Orleans and launch its new headquarters featuring: Nearly 85,000 square feet (8 square kilometers), where two brewhouses are located together with a brand-new, fast-speed complete line, for kegging, bottling and canning. These machines, all manufactured by CFT – Comac, are seen by thousands of people during guided visits to the brewery.
A Project Developed Over Time
“From the very start to finish, it’s been fantastic”.
(Jim Birch, Dixie Beer General Manager)
As explained by General Manager Jim Birch, Dixie was looking for a line that could combine the high speed of operations with the ease of use, so that it could be controlled by few operators.
Comac professionals, teamed up by project manager Matteo Melzi, exceeded the Dixie’s needs through commitment and expertise. They followed the project throughout its phases, chose the type of machinery, calculated the necessary space for the line and finally commissioned and trained staff. Every step has been managed and coordinated by Comac in cooperation with Dixie Beer team. This allowed all participating parties to be aligned and committed in a process that has taken years of dedication.
First Results, with an Eye onto the Future
The results have been more than satisfactory results, as confirmed by Stephen Borutta, Director of Brewing Operations at Dixie Beer.
As an example, the can line that can fill 10,000 cans per hour showcases:
- An exceptional level of dissolved oxygen
- An extraordinary very low level in maintaining of CO2
- Very low pickup of oxygen
These indicators are translated into a simple result – High quality beer.
Moving forward, Dixie Beer is progressing with the next steps to ensure success. The first goal is raising the products shelf life in order expand to other geographical locations outside of New Orleans.
Find Out More
If you are curious and would like to learn more about the project Comac brought to life for Dixie Beer, take a look at the video located on the Dixie Beer’s social media pages.
Cheers!
Credits: videomaker Alexander Volberding.
Comac Office for Web, Marketing and External Relations