Michigan’s Short’s Brewing announces 51 percent growth in 2014

Short’s Brewing Co. brewed more than 1 million gallons of beer last year. That’s a 51 percent leap in sales, which is astounding, considering the company’s “Michigan Only, Michigan Forever” motto. Short’s was founded in 2004 by Joe Short and in 2013 the brewery brewed 22,866 barrels (bbls) of beer and in 2014 brewed 34,443 bbls of beer. Much of Short’s growth can be contributed to the continued success of Short’s flagship and seasonal beers — specifically Soft Parade, Huma Lupa Licious, Local’s and Short’s Seasonal Variety Pack.

Short’s commitment to only distribute beer within the state of Michigan means that this growth was fueled entirely by those living and working in or visiting Michigan.

“It’s been an exciting year for Short’s Brewing Company with our strong growth, especially considering we’re a Michigan only company,” explained Brian Beckwith, Short’s CFO. “With the equipment and infrastructure we added to our production brewery last summer, we look forward to another great year in 2015, with a planned production of over 45,000 barrels.”

In 2014, Short’s production facility in Elk Rapids, Mich., installed a new filler and an onsite waste water pre-treatment system. Short’s also acquired property adjacent to the existing production facility to accommodate future expansion. 2014 was no small year for Short’s original location in Bellaire, Mich., where they began the expansion of their pub, including the renovation of an existing storefront which is now home to Short’s Mart, a Short’s merchandise store. Short’s double digit sales growth required additional manpower. Between the two locations the company added 32 employees in Antrim County. Providing jobs for the Michigan workforce is an important part of what drives Short’s Brewing to continue to grow in a sustainable manner.

In 2015 Short’s plans to complete an expansion in Bellaire that will add additional seating, bathrooms, a brand new kitchen as well as exterior upgrades.