Brewhouse manufacturer JV Northwest acquired by ICC, poised to expand

ICC Inc., a St. Louis-based industrial engineering consulting firm, has stepped in to take over operation of JV Northwest, a manufacturer of customized stainless steel tanks and process systems primarily for the brewing, distilling, wine and cider industries. The opportunity presented itself when Don Jones, the founder, was looking to retire.

“ICC is honored to be keeping alive the rich family legacy of a premier steel tank manufacturer that is unique in this space,” said ICC Northwest CEO Alex Alexandrov. “We’re especially thrilled to be keeping the Canby facility operating and all of JV NW’s highly skilled production workers employed.”

First, know that the ICC Group has pledged that all terms and conditions, warranties and payment structures for client projects already in production will remain in place. ICC Group has also notified all JV NW employees and presented them with job offers that honor their seniority and skills and is structuring an improved benefits package.

“JV NW’s client return rate has been a phenomenal 80 percent, and we know that our skilled workers are the reason for that,” said ICC Northwest President Kyle Sawyer, former General Manager of JV NW. “They are the dedicated backbone of the industry, and we plan to keep them working. We have orders waiting and plans for further expansion, so we’re back to business as usual with full production and, soon, double shifts.”

Positioning for expansion

Also know that this acquisition could mean even bigger things for JV Northwest.

“We bring a solid cash infusion,” said Alexandrov. “Our focus now is on starting this new chapter of serving the industry by delivering the highest quality product, creating better opportunities for our employees, being a great partner to our suppliers and supporting the local community.”

JV had about 58 employees in June, since ICC took over operations, that number is already at 89, soon to be 120.

“ICC NW customer will benefit from expanded engineering services such as full automation packages when ordering tanks, mixing vessels and brewing systems,” Alexandrov told CBB. “In addition, we have the experience and know-how to build fit-for-purpose facilities and to expand existing facilities keeping the total cost of ownership low.”

ICC designed and built the Balcones Distillery in Texas, the Templeton Rye Distillery in Iowa, and has been contracted by Craft Brew Alliance to design-build the Kona brewery in Hawaii, currently under construction.