BILL WELLER
The Story
Bill Weller is the owner and founder of Farmers Brewing Company, located in Princeton, CA where the family farm has been operating for generations. Brewing beer was once just a hobby that started in his garage, but it has since grown into a thriving business. Today, Bill’s facility which was established in January 2020 boasts an impressive production capacity of 50,000 barrels per year, quite an upgrade from his humble beginnings.
Before the current facility, Bill was operating in a small 1.5-barrel capacity area where he faced challenges with keeping the space clean, specifically with the traditional trench drain system used in the brewery. “I had a short 10-footer in there, and every time you would take those grates out, you would have all the stuff caught there,” Bill recalls. He knew that the issues would only become a bigger problem when he would greatly expand his operations.
Farmers Brewing’s search for a better drainage solution started with discussing these challenges with people in the industry who recommended Slot Drain Systems. He was impressed with the benefits of this solution, such as the clean aesthetic, ease of cleaning, maintenance, and unmatched durability. Bill says, “I like to keep a clean place. With no grates, you can drive over them with a forklift and you don’t even know they are there. And they are great!”
Additional features built for the brewing industry, like FlushFlo, adds capabilities to the system. He explains, “I like the added feature where we plumbed water into the high side, so we can rinse, turn on the water and wash everything down. It’s nice.” The Slot Drain is designed to be unnoticed, which makes it a perfect fit for the brewery’s clean aesthetic. In addition, it has no grates, making cleaning easier and maintenance a breeze.
One of the standout features for Bill of the drainage system is its strainer basket. From time to time, a loose tri-clamp may fall into the drain, but the basket allows for easy access to retrieve any unintended objects.
Farmers Brewing Co. opted for the 6000 and 10,000 series Slot Drain. These systems are durable and long-lasting, made from high-quality stainless steel materials. Features like Flush Flo were added, as well as multiple catch basins for easy access.
The 6000 Series Slot Drain is a modern drain for floors that does away with traditional grates. It is made of stainless steel and has a slope to help prevent the buildup of bacteria. This drain is perfect for shallow, low-volume applications and is easy to clean.
The 10,000 Series Slot Drain is a high-capacity, heavy-duty drain designed for the highest-regulated industries. It is NSF-compliant for its seamless design, load rated for heavy load-bearing, inspector-friendly, easy to clean and sanitary, and has a clean-in-place option available.
After almost 4 years of using the system, Bill and his team have had a positive experience with the Slot Drain System. Bill says, “Love them. Super easy to clean, no awkward spaces to clean. We just love a clean brewery, and this system makes that easier.” The switch from the traditional trench drain system has addressed the challenges they faced and improved the overall cleaning and maintenance experience. It has also added to the brewery’s aesthetic and improved efficiency.
Farmers Brewing Co’s experience with Slot Drain highlights the importance of finding the right solution for specific needs, as well as the benefits of making the switch to a more efficient and effective system. The 6000 and 10,000 Series provide a durable and long-lasting solution for any brewer looking to improve their drainage and maintenance needs, while also maintaining a clean and aesthetic appearance.
Find out why Slot Drain is trusted by hundreds of brewers across North America. Reach out to our team today to learn more.
