Craft brewers can expect expanded keg solutions and a stronger supply chain from this strategic acquisition.
Thielmann, a global manufacturer of stainless steel containers, has officially completed its transition to new ownership under Irestal Group. The acquisition, first announced in May 2025, is now finalized with all regulatory conditions met. This marks a key turning point for Thielmann. Under Irestal’s leadership, the company plans to strengthen its international presence and ramp up production capabilities — all while maintaining its commitment to high-quality stainless steel keg solutions for breweries worldwide.
Why this matters for craft brewers
For independent breweries, this ownership change brings stability and innovation from two industry veterans. It ensures that Thielmann’s keg production — and servicing infrastructure — remains strong and responsive to evolving market needs. Irestal brings extensive logistics capabilities and stainless steel processing expertise to the table. Combined with Thielmann’s decades of experience in beverage containers, the move is expected to improve lead times, lower costs, and expand product offerings for brewers looking to scale sustainably.
Inside Thielmann’s keg lineup
Thielmann offers a wide range of stainless steel kegs engineered for beer, cider, kombucha, coffee, and more. Each keg is built to protect product freshness, withstand rigorous handling, and offer decades of reusable performance.
Beverage Keg Options Include:
- Euro Kegs: Wide-diameter kegs (Ø 395mm) built for durability and easy cleaning.
- DIN Kegs: Slightly slimmer at Ø 363mm, ideal for breweries with space constraints.
- Slim Kegs: Designed for tighter storage areas with Ø options like 229mm or 278mm.
- Lite Kegs: Cost-effective kegs with polypropylene chimes for reduced weight and easier handling.
- RSR Kegs: Rubber-ended for quieter movement — great for delicate environments.
- Real Ale Kegs: Designed specifically for secondary fermentation and cask-conditioned beer.
- Starter Kegs: Ideal for new brewers needing flexibility and minimal equipment investment.
- Cornelius Style (Corny) Kegs: Used widely in soft drinks and cold brew systems.
Each keg can be fully customized through embossing, color banding, engraving, laser printing, and labeling services.
Spotlight: The Vertex Keg
Thielmann’s Vertex is its most advanced keg yet — 30% lighter and greener than traditional models. Made from duplex stainless steel, it balances strength, sustainability, and ergonomics. The Vertex’s lower nickel content also helps stabilize pricing, making it a smart investment in today’s volatile steel market.
Beyond containers: full-service support
Thielmann isn’t just a manufacturer — it also services keg fleets. Craft brewers can tap into maintenance programs, rebranding services, spear replacements, testing, cleaning, and even filling line monitoring. This commitment to lifecycle management gives brewers long-term value from each container.
Who is Irestal?
Founded in 1945, Irestal is a stainless steel powerhouse with 20 distribution centers across Europe. The company processes and distributes stainless steel coils, tubes, bars, fittings, and more for sectors including food, beverage, chemical, and solar. With its central service hub in Barcelona, Irestal can deliver most orders in under 48 hours. This logistical strength will support Thielmann’s global expansion and improve supply consistency for North American brewers.
What’s next?
As Thielmann enters this new growth phase under Irestal, independent brewers can expect faster fulfillment, deeper keg customization options, and new innovations in sustainable container design. For a sector facing rising material costs and operational pressure, a more efficient keg supply chain is welcome news.
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