SILMAN SIGNS WITH MCGINNIS FOR NEW COOPERAGE SYSTEM

Updated equipment and controls bring automation to Cuba, Mo. manufacturer

San Leandro, Calif.: SilMan Industries and McGinnis Wood Products (“MWP”) have entered into an agreement to install an automated cooperage system at the McGinnis plant in Cuba, Mo. Scope for the project includes customized manufacturing and installation of conveyors, electrical installation, controls and commissioning of equipment. The updated facility will allow McGinnis to expand production to meet growing demand for bourbon barrels without hiring additional employees.

This is the fifth cooperage installation for SilMan.  They have recently provided, or are currently installing, systems for Brown-Forman (Jack Daniels, Trinity, Ala.), Speyside (Jackson, Ohio and Smyth County, Virginia) and Robinson Stave (East Bernstadt, Kentucky).

Tommy Ethridge, account manager for SilMan Industries, indicated a two-fold challenge faced by McGinnis.  “Like most producers across the country, McGinnis faces a strained pool of potential employees,” said Ethridge. “And secondly, the market for wood barrels continues to rise, stressing their current system to capacity.”

MWP is a family-owned operation, founded in 1968 by Leroy McGinnis.  The company initially produced staves for barrel manufacturers until they began producing barrels of their own in 1987.  Mr. McGinnis’ unique drying system is credited for earning the company’s white oak barrels an international reputation with distillers.  MWP employs over 200 team members.

For more information:  SilMan has a unique specialization with Cooperage facilities and has prepared a case study detailing the team’s cooperage manufacturing material handling system integration and installation portfolio. The article also includes general information about barrel-making.