The beer mug runneth over at Bell's Beer, which is planning to open a logistics center on a parcel of land owned by the township within the next few months, says Laura Bell, marketing director for the business owned by her father, Larry Bell.
The logistics center will occupy a 30,000-square-foot building that formerly housed Galesburg Frozen Foods. Bell says the building will store packaged beer and serve as a pickup point for distributors of Bell's product. The building is located near 35th St. and I-94.
"Its close proximity to the highway makes it really easy for everybody," Bell says. "It was the right thing at the right time."
Bell says it made more sense from a cost standpoint to purchase an existing building rather than construct a new one.
Winifred "Winkie" Kurtz, assistant to Comstock Township's supervisor, says there are about 10 parcels of land on the property where the logistics center will be located. She says township officials are pleased with the craft beer maker's decision to locate another facility in the township.
Bell's expansion plans began last year with the purchase of an existing building just down the street from the company's brewing facility at 8938 Krum Ave., which houses the company's corporate offices.
About $17 million will be invested this year to expand the company's Comstock Township brewhouse. This will add fermenting capabilities, enhance employee care areas and provide space and equipment for new specialty fermentations. The upgrades are expected to be completed by early 2012.
An additional $35 million will be spent through 2016 to build out and equip an additional 60,000 square feet of floor space at the company's Krum Avenue location.
Writer: Jane Parikh
Source: Laura Bell, Bells Brewery
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