Krombacher Brewery, one of the leading brewing groups in Germany, has announced the largest investment project in its over 200-year history. With over EUR 100 million earmarked, the brewery will overhaul its bottling and logistics operations at the Littfetal site. This ambitious initiative underscores Krombacher's commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and job security in the region.
Key Upgrades and Goals
The modernization project aims to enhance efficiency and future-proof operations while maintaining uninterrupted production. Key elements include:
- State-of-the-Art Sorting Facilities: Modern technologies will streamline material flow and improve the efficiency of processing empty bottles, addressing the challenges of sorting diverse bottle types and shapes.
- Upgraded Bottling Lines: From 2026, four new bottling lines will be introduced, boosting flexibility and capacity for Krombacher’s diverse product range, including its flagship Pilsner, innovative beer specialties, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Manfred Schmidt, Krombacher’s Technical Director, emphasized the importance of this investment: “The modernization of our bottling facilities is a clear commitment to the future of our brewery and the diversity of products that define us. Despite the challenges of construction during ongoing operations, we are dedicated to seamless implementation to maintain our high-quality standards and 100% delivery capability.”
A Long-Term Vision
The project is expected to conclude by 2030, supporting Krombacher's long-term sustainability goals. The brewery will leverage cutting-edge automation and AI technology for sorting processes, ensuring resource-efficient and environmentally friendly operations.
Michael Kröhl, Krombacher’s Logistics Head, highlighted the project’s alignment with the company’s environmental values: “The overhaul enables us to significantly improve logistical efficiency. Our commitment to reusable systems and sustainable processes remains unwavering.”
Regional and Industry Impact
As one of the region's largest employers, Krombacher’s investment secures over 1,000 jobs and reinforces its role as a key economic driver in the Siegerland area. This initiative comes amid industry-wide challenges, including declining beer consumption in Germany. Nevertheless, Krombacher remains optimistic about sustainable growth through innovation and variety, particularly in its Pilsner and specialty beverage lines.
The announcement places Krombacher in competitive alignment with other breweries like Veltins, which recently completed a EUR 420 million modernization project.
Looking Ahead
Krombacher’s EUR 100 million investment not only strengthens its market position but also exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to brewing, production, and sustainability. “As a family business, we think and act long-term,” stated Peter Lemm, Krombacher’s spokesperson. “This investment is a testament to our core as a brewery and our commitment to remaining the heart of the Krombacher Group for generations to come.”
