Ter Dolen Brewery in Houthalen-Helchteren is doubling its annual beer production to one million liters through an investment of €500,000 in a new brewing installation. The company states that it is increasing annual production from 500,000 to 1,000,000 liters, despite the general difficulties in the brewing sector. The new installation, which will be operational by January, consists of tanks capable of filling bottles and kegs simultaneously, a technical improvement over the previous brewing kettle with a capacity of 2,500 liters. Manager Ike Janssen emphasizes that the investment is intended to accommodate growth, with increased production, a more energy-efficient process, and an expanded selection of non-alcoholic beer. The new installation can process 5,000 liters at a time, which increases production capacity.
The current setup dates back to 1994 and has hardly changed since then, according to Janssen. Ter Dolen emphasizes that it is a pioneer in brewing alcohol-free beer, which he believes the market demands. The brewery is connected to a hospitality establishment that is a major source of revenue, with a growing group of walking and cycling tourists. The new installation is intended to help adapt to demand, for both beer and alcohol-free variants. “We are one of the pioneers in brewing alcohol-free beer and have therefore been able to build up considerable expertise,” says Janssen. The investment of 500,000 euros represents 25% of the annual turnover of approximately 2 million euros.
New brewing plant brings production to one million liters
The €500,000 investment in the new brewing installation increases Brouwerij Ter Dolen’s annual production from 500,000 to 1,000,000 liters. The new equipment, which will be put into operation in January, makes it possible to fill bottles and kegs simultaneously, an improvement over the previous brew kettle, which could only process 2,500 liters at a time. Manager Ike Janssen emphasizes that the company had to choose between continuing current working methods or investing in growth. The company opted for the second option, expecting the investment to pay for itself through higher production and efficiency. The installation will be fully operational by January, with beer filling starting at the end of January, followed by a fermentation period of several weeks.
Sector in slump, but Ter Dolen invests against the trend
The global brewing sector is in a slump, yet Ter Dolen is investing in growth. The company emphasizes that demand for alcohol-free beer is increasing and that it has built up expertise in this area over the years. The hospitality establishment next to the brewery also contributes significantly to revenue, with a growing group of tourists. Ter Dolen hopes that the new installation will help adapt to market demand, with increased production capacity and a more energy-efficient process. According to Janssen, the investment of €500,000, which represents 25% of the annual turnover of approximately €2 million, must pay for itself through increased production. The hospitality establishment is directly connected to the brewery and contributes to revenue, with a rising group of walking and cycling tourists who have been increasing their share for years.
Details about the new installation
The new brewing system is fully equipped with tanks capable of filling both bottles and kegs simultaneously, representing a technical advancement compared to the previous installation. The capacity of the new brew kettle is 5,000 liters at a time, compared to 2,500 liters for the old one. The system is scheduled to be operational in January, with beer filling starting at the end of January. After filling, the beer must ferment for several weeks before going on sale. The brewery emphasizes that the €500,000 investment was made to accommodate growth, featuring a more energy-efficient process and an expansion of production. Brewmaster Hendrick Hanssen and manager Ike Janssen are involved in the implementation of the new installation, which has remained virtually unchanged since 1994.
Keep reading