Brewer expands distribution

Brewer expands distribution

Founders is heading west with its distribution footprint. Photo via fb.com

A West Michigan brewer is expanding its presence in the western United States.

Founders Brewing Co. announced a partnership with Premier Beverage to help distribute beer to New Mexico, beginning in October.

“We’re thrilled to work with Premier Beverage to offer Founders for the first time in New Mexico,” said Mike Stevens, Founders CEO and co-founder. “The addition of new markets is always exciting, and New Mexico affords us a great opportunity to reach a new audience of beer enthusiasts.”

Distribution will include the company’s year-round and seasonal beers in bottles, cans (Centennial and All Day IPAs) and kegs. Select limited releases also will be available in New Mexico.

Founders already distributes to Arizona and Texas. New Mexico will expand the company’s distribution footprint to 35 states, as well as the District of Columbia. Ten of the states have limited distribution. Founders also exports beer across the globe.

Founders is finishing up a $40 million expansion that will help boost the brewery’s capacity to approximately 900,000 barrels of beer annually. A barrel is 31 gallons.

Last year, Founders brewed approximately 193,000 barrels, which placed it as the 23rd largest brewery in country, including companies such as AB InBev, which brews Budweiser, and MillerCoors. This year, the company expects to near 300,000 barrels.