Page 18 - Beverage Master_OctNov 2021

Craft Brewery
Craft Brewery
ties, not to mention the ancillary machines that are pared to manual systems. Our manual systems are
needed to surround a filler seamer, such as infeed available for half-height use which is ideal for a
tables and can handle applicators.” low-budget startup but requires more personnel.
When the time is right, we have several solutions
SKA Fabricating in Durango, Colorado is another to help in the next steps of automation.
manufacturer with its eye on the future packaging
needs of craft breweries, providing its customers We are constantly striving to make our products
with a wide range of depalletizers, conveyors, better and have adapted over the years through
and packaging line equipment. The company was various market changes and requests for specific
founded in 2012 by craft brewer Matt Vincent, additions. Anything from safety, line controls, and
whose award-winning Ska Brewing is touted as the using our date coding system to hit the bottom of
the can instead of the flange are being implement-
ed.”

California-based XpressFill Systems LLC manufac-
tures a wide range of can and bottle filling systems
designed with ease of use and longevity as top
priorities. The company, headquartered in San Luis
Obispo, was founded in 2007 and serves multiple
industries, including craft brewing. Technology is a
primary focus. The company offers several models
that capture volumetric, level fill and carbonat-
ed beverage technology. Rod Silver, who spear-
heads Marketing and Sales for XpressFill Systems,
largest in Durango. While Ska Fabricating was born describes features of some of the firm’s products,
out of necessity to address the brewing, packaging which he says are affordable, compact and easy to
and distribution of Ska Brewing, its innovations use.
help breweries around the globe. With more than
1,000 clients across the United States and abroad,
Marketing Director Elise Mackay says that the com-
pany is well-positioned to handle virtually any pack-
aging need.

“Ska Fabricating provides total packaging lines
from beverage to non-beverage industries across
the globe. They range from canned or bottled
beer, cannabis, kombucha and coffee to aerosol or
paint cans and spice jars. We are well-rounded and
diverse enough to handle just about anything. Our
systems can range from a 20’ x 20’ square at 20
containers a minute to a 60’ x 60’ square running “The volumetric filler controls the amount of fill
250CPM and above! We do everything we can to with the use of a very precise timer. The filler is
accommodate the space and speeds of a prospect’s calibrated to your specifications and is capable of
needs.” very accurate fills, regardless of inconsistencies
that might exist in the bottle glass. ...The level filler
Mackay explains how the company has adapt- controls the amount of fill with the use of a level
ed to the changing demands of the craft brewing sensor. When the liquid reaches the sensor, the fill-
industry and how it works with clients to create the er automatically stops the fill. The liquid level is set
most cost-effective solutions. One major decision is by adjusting the height of the shelf, which can be
whether to opt for automated or manual systems. adjusted to approximately 1/16 increments. Both
the volumetric (XF260/XF460) and the level filler
“Automation is key when it comes to running an (XF2100/XF4100) have a self-contained, self-prim-
economic line and has a number of upsides com- ing pump that draws the liquid from any barrel

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