Short’s Beer: More Huma Lupa Licious is on its way!

Two million dollar expansion will nearly double capacity allowing the successful Antrim County, Michigan based micro-brewery to keep up with rising demand.

Short’s Brewing Company, with a pub in downtown Bellaire and a brewing and bottling plant in Elk Rapids, is once again expanding to keep up with demand. Like any entrepreneurial company, Short’s had its share of struggles in its first few years of business. Whereas Short's sold over 14,000 barrels of beer last year, its production in 2004 was just 178 barrels. As recently as 2008, Short's produced 2,000 barrels.

Short’s now has nearly 50 full time employees in Michigan, with 28 full-time employees at the Elk Rapids facility. Short's produces a wide range of specialty brews and has a thriving fan base.

The company shut down production for part of July so that workers could make a number of critical upgrades to the facility. The highlight of the project was the installation of sixteen brand new 90-barrel fermenters. The company is also improving efficiency, quality control and making upgrades on the packaging line.

The $2 million project nearly doubled working capacity from 16,000 barrels to 30,000 barrels. The expansion, however, will not result in further distribution. “Michigan forever,” is Principal, Scott Newman-Bale’s promise. Short’s products can be found at about 1,400 retailers around Michigan.

For more information on Short’s Brewing Company and their wide range of products, please visit the Short’s Brewing Company website or their Facebook page.

MSU Extension has had a unique partnership relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension and the NLEA provides leadership to state-wide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.

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