PennTAP is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to obtain a grant. They made what seemed like an arduous task easy, and were with us every step of the way.
The Need
In 2017, Voodoo Brewery converted an old 84 Lumber facility in Meadsville, PA into their main production location, The Compound. After moving into the facility, the Voodoo Brewery team wanted to improve energy efficiency at The Compound.
The PennTAP Connection
Voodoo Brewery learned about PennTAP during a 2017 Summer Ale Trail meeting hosted in Erie, PA. The group was comprised of Erie area small business brewers who invited PennTAP to present on energy saving opportunities in the small brew industry.
The Project
This project was funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. The PennTAP advisors assessed the interior and exterior lighting of the facility, in addition to the heating in the building. They found that the facility had 400 watt metal halide lights that needed to be converted to the LED equivalent corn bulb. In addition, since the building was a high vaulted warehouse, it was difficult to regulate the temperature at various levels.
The team recommended installing a 24″ high-volume, low-speed (HLSV) Air-Volution fan to help with the air flow. The team also assisted with their application for a Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG) to help purchase the fan and LED lighting for inside and outside the facility.
The Outcome
In 2017, Voodoo Brewery recieved the SBAG funding and was awarded $4,906 that was used to purchase the recommended lighting and fan at The Compound. The upgrades Voodoo Brewery made based on PennTAP’s recommendations totaled $43,620 in economic benefit and led to the creation of two new jobs.
The Downtown Erie Location
After hearing about the successes at The Compound, the downtown Erie Voodoo Brewery location approached PennTAP in 2019 to complete an SBAG application to install eight Air Pear fans. These fans are more energy efficient and improve
the environment of the facility without impacting its historical qualities.
In 2019, the downtown Erie Voodoo Brewery location was awarded another $2,240 for the updated fan purchase which was completed in June 2019.
About the Company
Voodoo Brewing Company
824 Bessemer St.
Meadville, PA 16335
Phone: 814-333-9123
County: Crawfod
Industry: Beverage
voodoobrewery.com