Okell’s Brewery is pleased to announce the installation of an impressive, state-of-the-art canning line at its headquarters in Kewaigue, just outside of Douglas. The facility was formerly opened by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE on 5th March 2025 at an event that also marked the start of celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the brewery.
The introduction of the new fully-automated canning line is a significant step for the company as it will eliminate the need for beer to be exported off the Island for the canning process. Capable of producing 1500 canned drinks per hour, in a number of different sizes from 150ml to 500ml, the facility can be used for cider, seltzers and soft drinks as well as Okell’s trademark range of beers.
Commenting on the new equipment, Okell’s Managing Director Ollie Neale said, “The new canning line represents a major investment in making our operations more efficient and more sustainable. The high-quality equipment, made by a leading UK manufacturer, is capable of high-speed precision operations that preserve the freshness and purity of our brews and also give lots of scope for innovative labelling and presentation.
“Canned drinks are popular with customers as they are more lightweight than bottles and easier to store. For our business, being able to can drinks on Island will save on costs as well as emissions as our drinks will no longer need to be sent away for this process.”
At the opening, the Lieutenant Governor pressed the button to start the canning production of a new special edition Smoked Porter, an updated version of a traditional dark malty beer popular in the early days of brewing. This limited edition beer is being launched to commemorate Okells’ 175th anniversary as one of the most dominant names in Manx brewing history and a celebrated producer of distinctive quality ales, brewed to strict adherence to the Manx Pure Beer Act.
Originally established by Dr William Okell, a Lancashire surgeon and apothecary who began brewing in Douglas in 1850, Okell’s quickly became a leading player in the Manx brewing industry with its focus on quality products and adopting the latest brewing techniques.
Famous for his construction of the Falcon patented steam brewery, Dr Okell was also a shrewd businessman and set Okell’s on a course to that would successfully navigate two world wars and the highs and lows of the Manx economy from the Victoria age to the modern era.
Today part of the Heron & Brearley groups of companies, Okell’s remains committed to producing quality beer for the Manx market but has also expanded its reach to become a respected name in craft ales around the world.