Birko named top company in manufacturing by ColoradoBiz magazine

Birko is a leader in providing food safety solutions to the meat, produce and brewery industries. How do we know they’re a leader? Well, first off, Birko manufactures a complete line of specialty cleaning and processing aids for craft breweries that are non-caustic, faster and more effective than traditional hot caustic cleaning (and most importantly, don’t affect the flavor of the beer). Secondly, Birko has been named a winner in the manufacturing category for Top Company of 2013, sponsored by ColoradoBiz magazine.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized for this prestigious honor as one of Colorado’s most outstanding businesses,” said Mark Swanson, Birko’s CEO. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our customers for their loyalty. Yet we couldn’t have achieved this prestigious honor without the dedication and hard work of our wonderful employees, many of whom have dedicated their careers to Birko.”

Kelly Green, third-generation owner and chairman of Birko’s board, said, “My grandparents founded this company 60 years ago on their vision for keeping the food chain safe. As their legacy continues, we’re tremendously proud of the contribution we’ve made to Colorado’s economy by providing good jobs.”

Birko had an impressive year in 2012, its third consecutive year of double-digit growth. “Our strong financial condition allowed us to make considerable investments in intellectual property, manufacturing efficiencies and laboratory upgrades,” Swanson said.

Some of Birko’s 2012 milestones include:

• Being named a 2012 Colorado Companies to Watch winner by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
• Acquiring Espy Technologies Inc., which services the carcass washing and pasteurizing cabinets manufactured by Chad Equipment LLC, Birko’s equipment division.
• Receiving a patent for an acid and detergent method of cleaning used beer kegs, which removes beerstone, a problematic scale often found inside kegs.
• Expanding the clean room and upgrading the food-grade blending facility.

Top Company is widely considered to be Colorado’s most competitive business award for companies headquartered in Colorado or with a significant presence in the state. The program recognizes Colorado’s most outstanding businesses in 12 categories.