A leading Caribbean craft brewery faced the pivotal challenge of scaling up to a new production facility with a target capacity of 30,000 barrels annually. The Client had never undertaken a project of this magnitude and required expert guidance to navigate equipment selection, operational efficiency, infrastructure planning, and local construction partnerships. The complexity was heightened by stringent environmental approval processes and the need to align capital investments with ambitious growth objectives.
First Key partnered with the Client as owner’s representative, deploying a solutions-driven approach rooted in technical expertise and strategic project management. We advised on the procurement of a used 40-vessel, 30-barrel brewhouse and ten fermenters, leveraging auction opportunities to maximize capital efficiency. Our team developed detailed brewery layouts for the Client’s architect and executed all engineering calculations for supporting systems. Deliverables included AutoCAD property drawings and a dynamic equipment tracker, ensuring real-time visibility into procurement activities and budget alignment. Our deep regulatory knowledge enabled the Client to bypass a full environmental survey, streamlining approvals and accelerating project timelines.
The Client secured essential equipment well ahead of budget, achieving significant cost savings and mitigating project risk. By eliminating a year-long environmental survey, First Key unlocked rapid time-to-market, positioning the Client for accelerated growth in their new facility. This strategic partnership not only delivered operational excellence but also established the Client as the flagship craft brewery in their market.
