Governor explores the growing brewing industry in Sussex

Gov. John Carney and members of the Delaware Department of Agriculture recently had a first-hand look at one of the newest additions to the growing craft beer scene by touring Proximity Malt in Laurel.

Proximity Malt is a company based in Milwaukee, Wisc., and was founded by malting veterans in 2015. The company saw a lot of opportunity when planning to open a site in the Mid-Atlantic Region due to the growing number of local and craft breweries in the area as well as the chance to work directly with the community.

Despite being based in Milwaukee and having an additional Malthouse in Monte Vista, Colo., and smaller plants in Pennsylvania and Maryland, the Malt House in Laurel shows the commitment to expansion in an ever-growing industry. The Laurel Malthouse operates 24/7/365 with up to 22 employees at the fairly early stages of its production capabilities.

Some of the more in-depth statistics include the use of local barley that is unique to the area while producing kilned malts such as: base, Pilsen, distillers, rye, wheat, pale ale, Vienna, and Munich; and roasted malts such as: amber malt, chocolate malt, black malt, roasted barley, crystal rye and many more.

The site was purchased in 2015, after being vacant for 30 years, and was thoroughly cleaned, refurbished, reworked to follow all safety standards, and continues to undergo ongoing construction. The Laurel location has the capability to store 10,200 metric tons of barley, while operation at pace to produce 25,000 metric tons annually (this is over 1.1 million bushels).

Carney joined deputy secretaries Kenny Bounds and Austin Short, Secretary Michael Scuse of the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Program Administrator and Nutrient Manager Chris Brosch to explore the open house held by Proximity Malt.

Various representatives from local craft breweries, farms, bars and restaurants were also in attendance to take the tour. Members of local restaurants and breweries such as the Crooked Hammock, Heavy Seas and Mispillion Brewing Company were present.

Upon entering, guests were treated to a variety of beers made using the product that the facility produces, barbeque from a local vendor, and a chance to interact with other business owners and enthusiasts. Attendees were also able to inspect and even taste various types of barley produced at the plant.

Carney and the other dignitaries put on their safety glasses, vests and hard hats for a tour of the facility. Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager of Proximity Malt Matt Musial led the tour along with Sales and Marketing Manager Amy Germershausen. Both employees were open to answer any questions about different processes and the many benefits that this operation has for both breweries and restaurants, but the connection that Proximity Malt has already made with the community of brewers in Delaware.

The tour included the silos that hold the malt, germination chambers, the grain bins, ventilation systems and other aspects that contribute to the final product. Musial also explained each step of the process being steeping, malting, and kilning.

“Our operation takes about 12,000 to 15,000 acres to support, which has allowed us to work with great farmers in Delaware. Due to the growing industry, we look forward to aid in the growth by working directly with breweries, restaurants and various brewers across the region. All of our staff is committed to producing the highest quality product while using the farms here to experiment with new flavors,” said Musial.

The dignitaries present praised the company for it’s involvement in the community, and its plans for growth in the years to come.

“The tour was absolutely fascinating; it was so great to see the investment that Proximity Malt has made in our community with its ties to local business and our workforce,” said Carney. “This operation does not just support one industry but two, making it more beneficial to our economy and community. With the partnerships they have created with local farms and agricultural it will not only help increase the profitability of crops but help keep family farms in operation.”

“With the supply and demand factor regarding malts and barley in a growing craft beer industry, it will help support the large amount of hardworking, local and craft breweries in our region. Proximity Malt is the only malt facility in the Mid-Atlantic and this gives us a significant advantage on all fronts.”

Carney was also excited about the attraction behind breweries. “Operations like this have a positive effect and add to our great tourism industry. Not only does it act as an exciting addition, but attracts young, savvy workers to be a part of something on the rise,” he said concerning the growing nightlife tourism and importance of creative and trained workers in Delaware.

For more information on Proximity Malt, go to proximitymalt.com/.