Wavegrip’s G1 applicator heads Due South

Packaging Solutions

WaveGrip’s G1 multi-packing applicator is helping Florida brewery, Due South Brewing Co to pack its range of canned craft beer much more efficiently and cost effectively.

Based just outside of West Palm Beach, Due South was the first full production craft brewery in South Florida and currently operates a brewery and taproom. Producing around 5000 barrels a year, with five core brands, Due South supplies bars, restaurants and retail locations across Florida.

To meet the growing demand for its beers, Due South needed to improve the multi-packing of its 16 oz cans in both four and six pack configurations, all within the limited space available in the brewery. The G1 with its compact footprint of just 1.4 x 0.8 metres offered the perfect solution, being designed specifically for the needs of small to medium sized brewers and even mobile canning operations.

Due South’s G1 applicator operates at 35 cans per minute to fit with the current production requirements of the canning line. With the potential to run at speeds of 100 cans per minute it also has plenty of room for expansion, as Due South’s volume grows for its range of year round and limited edition beers.

The G1 has enabled Due South to automate its packaging at an exceptionally affordable price point, moving away from the previously ‘labour intensive’ solution. Positioned as an entry level machine, specifically designed with craft brewers in mind; this has meant Due South predicting it will pay for itself within just 10 to 11 months.

‘Once we installed the G1 our packaging ran much smoother and it saved us a lot of labour at the end of the line. The difference is incredible!’ said Mike Halker, founder and head brewer of Due South.

‘Above all, the biggest selling point of WaveGrip is the support. The company has come to our facility a number of times to work with us and to make sure the machine is working as it should. I couldn’t have asked for better service.’

Another important part in Due South’s choice of WaveGrip was that the carriers are extremely lightweight, using less material than any other multi-packing solution. Additionally, all WaveGrip carriers are 100% recyclable and meet current US packaging regulations by being photodegradable.

‘Sustainability is obviously important to us and the entire industry. It is really important that people can come to us and we are able to explain and feel happy in the WaveGrip solution we are using,’ concluded Mike.

Commenting on the partnership Aaron McIvor, WaveGrip’s managing director, said: ‘It is always exciting working with the amazing craft breweries in America and we are exceptionally proud that Due South chose the G1 for its leading range of beers. We have worked hard to design the G1 applicator to be the perfect fit for every craft brewery. Our ability to provide a sustainable, cost effective multi-pack solution that has truly delivered for Due South is the perfect accolade for WaveGrip.’