#USA #Rochester #Seagram's Escapes #FIFCO USA #Genesee Brewery

FIFCO USA Unveils State-of-the-Art $28 Million Can Line at the Genesee Brewery

Rochester, NY - In a significant leap towards modernizing its operations, FIFCO USA, the parent company of Genesee Brewery, celebrated the unveiling of a state-of-the-art can production line with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony. This new facility represents a monumental investment of $28 million, reinforcing FIFCO's commitment to sustainability and efficiency in production.

The new can line is designed to enhance the brewery's capacity, allowing for production rates of 1,500 cans per minute. This remarkable capability translates into over 15 million cases of beer produced annually, significantly boosting the brewery's output while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. The addition of this line comes as part of a broader $50 million investment announced in 2024, aimed at modernizing the brewery and ensuring its competitive edge in the marketplace.

Piotr Jurjewicz, CEO of FIFCO USA, highlighted the strategic importance of this investment, stating, “We are excited to announce this development, which underscores our commitment to operating a sustainable, high-performing brewery in New York State. The can line not only supports our flagship brands like Genesee, Labatt USA, Seagram's Escapes, and Lipton Hard Iced Tea, but also opens doors for additional manufacturing contracts from other states.”

The facility, which occupies an impressive 78,000 square feet within the brewery's 27-acre campus, stands as a testament to FIFCO's forward-thinking approach. The high-efficiency production line is capable of packaging various can sizes, including 7.5 oz., 12 oz. slim, and 16 oz. cans, giving the brewery flexibility in its output.

Support from the State of New York has been crucial in bringing this project to fruition, with a $7 million capital grant from Empire State Development and an additional $300,000 grant from the City of Rochester contributing to the overall investment. Hope Knight, President and CEO of Empire State Development, remarked on the significance of the brewery's expansion, noting that it is creating valuable job opportunities in the Finger Lakes region and bolstering New York's thriving beverage industry.

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans also praised the investments made by FIFCO USA, stating that they not only enhance the brewery's capabilities but also solidify its status as a city icon. He emphasized that these advancements demonstrate a shared commitment to driving innovation within the local community and preserving the brewery's legacy for future generations.

“In a competitive landscape, it is vital to enhance our operational capabilities,” Jurjewicz added. “With over 750 dedicated employees, we are grateful for the ongoing support from our state and local government, which has made these improvements possible.”

Over the past 15 years, the brewery has dedicated approximately $250 million to modernization efforts, including the installation of a state-of-the-art brewing system in 2018. The can line project's completion marks another step forward in FIFCO USA's strategy to modernize and ensure long-term sustainability within the increasingly competitive beverage market.

About FIFCO USA

Headquartered in Rochester, New York, FIFCO USA is among the leading brewers in the United States. The company's extensive portfolio includes popular brands such as Seagram's Escapes, Lipton Hard Iced Tea, Labatt USA, and Genesee Brewing Company. In addition to its own brands, FIFCO USA also provides brewing services for other entities, showcasing its capacity and versatility in the industry.

For more information about FIFCO USA, please visit fifcousa.com. Always enjoy FIFCO USA beverages responsibly.