SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 - Carlsberg Asia and KHS are continuing their long-standing partnership with the construction of one of the largest and most modern breweries in China. This €191 million greenfield project in Foshan is a testament to the companies' shared commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
A History of Successful Collaboration
Carlsberg and KHS have a strong track record of successful projects in Asia, particularly in China. "Over the past ten years, we’ve successfully managed lots of projects together, especially in China,” said Norman Gras, global key account manager at KHS.
In 2021, KHS installed two canning lines with an output of up to 90,000 containers per hour in Dali and Yibin, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "On acceptance we had a line efficiency of 99% and 100% – even before the agreed deadline," Gras proudly noted.
A Partnership Built on Trust
The strong relationship between Carlsberg and KHS is built on trust and a shared vision. "Norman and I have worked closely together for years," said Paul Kime, senior assets, projects and utilities director at Carlsberg Asia. "The same applies to the many employees who implement our projects. This naturally builds up trust. Through our many joint projects, we’ve always been able to significantly improve on the way we work and better the processes on both sides. We all see ourselves as a team with a common goal rather than two separate companies engaged in a traditional customer/supplier relationship.”
A Sustainable Flagship Brewery
The new brewery in Foshan is a model of sustainable production. “The entire project was planned and implemented according to our extensive ESG plan, Together Towards Net Zero and Beyond,” emphasized Kime. Carlsberg China aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040.
The brewery incorporates several sustainable features, including:
- Water Conservation: A "sponge brewery" concept collects and treats rainwater to conserve water resources and minimize wastewater.
- Energy Efficiency: Recyclable and energy-efficient building materials are used, and a photovoltaic system on the roof generates up to 30% of the brewery's electricity needs.
- Intelligent Energy Management: An intelligent monitoring system controls and regulates energy consumption throughout the brewery.
Innovative Technology from KHS
KHS is providing the complete filling and packaging technology for the new brewery, including four turnkey lines:
- Keg Line: Fills up to 90 kegs per hour, primarily for export to Hong Kong, Macau, and Southern China.
- Returnable Glass Lines: Two lines with an output of up to 48,000 bottles per hour each, one of which is a combined line that also processes non-returnable bottles.
- Canning Line: Designed to process up to 90,000 cans per hour, featuring the Innofill Can DVD filler with highly effective oxygen control.
Setting New Benchmarks
Kime praised the speed and efficiency of the KHS line commissioning, particularly the canning line, which achieved a 98.5% performance rate within just eight days. "There’s not yet been anything like this throughout the entire Carlsberg Group," he remarked.
This success is attributed to the strong partnership and collaborative approach between Carlsberg and KHS. "Over the years, we’ve constantly improved our level of quality and professionalism and have set new benchmarks with respect to communication and our manner of work," said Gras.
A Strong Local Team
The project also highlights the dedication and expertise of the local KHS team in China. "China’s proverbial strong work ethic runs through the entire team and binds us all together," said Kime.
Meeting the Demands of a Growing Market
The new brewery will supply beer to Guangdong province and the entire South China region, a market of approximately 150 million people with a high purchasing power. The brewery will produce a range of international premium brands, such as Carlsberg, Tuborg, and Grimbergen, as well as local brands like Wusu, Chongqing, and Xixia.
A Partnership for the Future
The Carlsberg Asia and KHS partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in the beverage industry. This flagship brewery in Foshan is a testament to their shared commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and delivering high-quality products to a growing market.