DB completes $30m brewery upgrade

DB has completed a major upgrade to its Waitematā brewing and packaging facilities in a $30 million project designed to strengthen its capability and efficiency. 

Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, Hon Cameron Brewer, officially opened the newly modernised facility on Friday.

DB says it has modernised critical equipment across the site including new, faster can packers that give greater format flexibility; two new tanks to expand batch brewing capacity; and significant improvements to bottle lines including new packers and a new bottle filler.    

DB’s Waitemata brewery site has had a $30m upgrade.

DB Managing Director Peter Hart said the project is already bringing improvements.

"This upgrade is anchoring DB as a more productive, efficient and competitive business for the long term. The Waitematā brewery is at the heart of our operations. And importantly, we’re immediately seeing the productivity benefits of the upgrades. For example, the upgraded NRG bottle line is producing around 30,000 bottles an hour, which is 30% more than before.”  

DB says the investment supports its focus on improving operational performance and capturing productivity gains from its manufacturing side.

It says it will also increase capability in growing segments of the market, particularly low-carb beer, and can formats, with low-carb products remaining the fastest-growing beer segment in New Zealand.