In 2015 Diamond Knot Brewing plans to expand operations and increase packaging output. To help manage the process, the company announced today that it hired a Production Manager. To fill the newly created position, Diamond Knot hired from within, giving the nod to Brian Guerrant, who began working for the Mukilteo-based company ten years ago.
The expansion and packaging plans include canning the company’s iconic Diamond Knot IPA, which will be available in 12-ounce cans. Other expansion plans at the brewery including increasing production of root beer, further developing the industrial series of beer, and continuing to grow its barrel program.
Brian Guerrant started with the brewery as a server at the Alehouse and eventually became a lead brewery. “I like the focus the company is taking in the brewery,” Guerrant said. “I know we balance expansion between our retail locations and the brewery, but now it’s the brewery’s time. The growth over the next few years will be exponential. I see my position as the key to streamlining the brewing process and increasing efficiencies.”
Pat Ringe, Diamond Knot’s VP of Brewing Operations, said he is looking forward to Guerrant stepping into his new position. “Brian has been a rock-solid consistent, dependable DK brewer for nearly 10 years,” Ringe said. “He knows the brewery, our recipes, processes and culture as well as anyone, so promoting him to production manager was just a natural fit.”
Ringe added, “Once Brian is fully up-to-speed in the new position, it will free me up to do some long-overdue experimentation and focus more on moving brewing operations forward and into our next phase of growth.”
Swing shift brewer Dan Wengren has moved into the lead brewer position to fill Guerrant’s responsibilities, while Diamond Knot recently hired brewer Brian Gilligan, formerly of Boatyard Brewing in Kalamazoo, Mich.