Vobev is launching a new aluminum can manufacturing and beverage production facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company states that it will be the first independent can maker and filler in North America to streamline the beverage supply chain under one roof.
“Opening an integrated, independent canned beverage manufacturing and development facility that is the quickest-to-market is an incredible team accomplishment,” said Eric Cudnohoske, general manager of Vobev. “We have taken bold steps to combine the idea-to-shelf process in a facility that is environmentally friendly and technologically savvy. This facility will have the people and space needed to essentially change the industry.”
The 1.2 million sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is designed to be a one-stop shop for small- to large-sized beverage brands. This is achieved by providing simplified production capabilities, including everything from recipe creation and packaging design, to making, filling, packaging, storing, and shipping beverages. In this way, the company aims to provide an improved supply chain that is five times faster than a traditional can manufacturer or filler, shortening lead times by ten weeks.
Vobev will be able to produce, fill, and sleeve aluminum cans in a variety of sizes, including 250 ml (8.4 oz) and 355 ml (12 oz) cans. The variety of packaging options will be designed for an array of beverages, including waters, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, wine, spirits, seltzers, and more. Customers will have the option to combine products into different package sizes from 4 packs up to 24 count trays with single or multiple drink varieties.
In addition to streamlining production, the Vobev facility is expected to provide eco-friendly production. By combining everything in one location — from development to manufacturing and logistics — the company aims to decrease the overall carbon footprint typical of other beverage production processes.
The company also cites the use of aluminum cans as beneficial to its environmental sustainability, since cans are the most recycled product in the U.S. and are more eco-friendly than other beverage containers, like plastic or glass bottles. In addition, the manufacturing facility plans to utilize additional sustainable processes, like water reclamation, solar power and warehouse automation.
Innovation will also be a key element built into the new facility. The company plans to work directly with customers to bring their ideas and finished formulas that will be brought to life through its on-site research and development capabilities.
The facility is expected to open by the end 2021. Once launched, the company believes its new manufacturing facility will be the development epicenter for the can-making and filling industry in North America.