“MV GROUP Production” continues the renovation of “Gubernijas” – investing almost 1.5 million euros

The oldest brewery in Lithuania is actively renewing itself. A couple of years ago, the main production line, where drinks are poured into cans, was modernized at the “Gubernijas” brewery. Now it’s time to modernize the other two lines where the production is bottled in PET plastic bottles and KEG barrels. Together with the new equipment, laboratory equipment arrived in Šiauliai, which will help to ensure the quality of the containers. After investing about 1.5 million in the renovation of the lines. euros, as well as strengthening the team of specialists who will use innovations to their full capacity and nurture centuries-old brewing traditions.

“Next year, we aim to make Gubernija, which celebrates its 360th anniversary, one of the most competitive breweries in the region and strengthen its position in the markets. As a result, we invest in equipment from leading international manufacturers that take production processes to a new level of efficiency and pave the way to work more efficiently and sustainably. By implementing innovations and automating processes, we create jobs with higher added value together – we are open to talent”, says Algirdas Čiburys, CEO of MV GROUP Production.

MV GROUP Production, the company managing the brewery in Šiauliai, has invested almost 1 million in the production line, where PET plastic packaging made from blanks has started to be used. euros. The packaging production technology came from the Italian company SMI Group, was successfully installed and is already operational. At the same time, laboratory equipment was purchased, which constantly monitors and checks the quality parameters of the tare. “In order to achieve the greatest possible sustainability, modern packaging is produced as light as possible, using as little raw material as possible. In addition, there is an opportunity to produce packaging from secondary, recycled plastic, raw materials”, A. Čiburys mentions the advantages. Previously, our partners made the packages from blanks for the factory, and now the entire responsibility is in the hands of “Gubernija” specialists. When the produced drinks are poured into PET bottles that have just been formed on the spot, various risks are reduced and the quality standards of Lithuanian production are more easily ensured.

The new line of KEG draft beer will also help the company to improve its export performance. It is equipped with equipment manufactured by the German company KEG-Technik, which is widely used by brewers around the world. About 400 thousand The equipment costing EUR 100,000 will open up greater export opportunities for the Lithuanian company – customers of “MV GROUP Production” will be able to receive freshly poured “Gubernijas” beer or giro abroad. The decision to use single-use KEG containers made of plastic, which is 100% recycled, opened up opportunities for exporting beverages in KEG containers. recycled.

KEG containers made of plastic in the case of export gain several advantages over conventional metal KEG containers. First, it is more expensive to supply the product in metal barrels because the manufacturer has to take back the empty containers. Secondly, beer poured into special disposable KEG containers can be valid for up to 1 year, while on average, beer in ordinary metal KEG containers is valid for 2-3 months. This provides opportunities to significantly expand the export geography and to transport bottled beer over greater distances. In addition to the advantages already listed, the new equipment will allow the factory to save water used for washing containers. It is estimated that the new technology will allow the brewery in Šiauliai to halve the water consumption in this production line.

It is clear that the decision to bottle Gubernija’s production in single-use recyclable plastic KEGs is well-considered, more sustainable and more economically beneficial. The new opportunity to get Lithuanian drinks in KEG containers is already of interest to “MV GROUP Production” customers in the USA and Asia.

Gubernija, which aims to open export markets more widely, also aims to manage resources more efficiently. The brewery, which will be 360 ​​years old next year, is currently implementing an energy resources (consumption) monitoring system. Since beverage production processes are energy-intensive, by collecting and analyzing monitoring data, it is possible to discover solutions that would be very useful for the company and pay off financially. A system that allows real-time monitoring of electricity, gas, and water consumption at various points will help specialists identify where savings can be made and resources used more efficiently.

The head of MV GROUP Production, A. Čiburys, claims that the introduced innovations create a need to expand the team’s competencies more quickly and raise the qualifications of employees. Therefore, training is organized in the company so that specialists use the advantages and capabilities of modern equipment as much as possible.

Gubernija is always open to new talents from Šiauliai and other regions of Lithuania. Specialists working at the brewery say that this is a great place to learn and grow, because “Gubernija” belongs to the “MV GROUP Production” company, which also manages the Lithuanian factories of “Alitas”, “Anykščiai vyno”, “Stumbro”. Teams of beverage producers share knowledge, ideas and discoveries with each other – synergy is developed.

“Gubernija” together with the factories “Stumbras”, “Anykščių vynas” and “Alita” belongs to the beverage production company “MV GROUP Production”. This joint-stock company is managed by “MV GROUP”, one of the largest groups of companies in the Baltic States, uniting alcoholic and other beverage production, wholesale and retail trade and logistics companies in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland.