History & background
In 1824, a small brewery in Grevenstein began to brew beer in accordance with the German Purity Law. Over 190 years later, one of the most modern private breweries in Europe has now been built in its place: Brauerei C. & A. VELTINS.
The success story of the company, which has been run by the Veltins family for five generations has its foundations in a passion for artisanal brewing, innovation, investment, entrepreneurial vision and a corporate culture that is characterised by team spirit and the highest quality standards. As such, right up until the present day, the premium beer is exclusively brewed from the highest quality ingredients – malt, hops, yeast and purest spring water – strictly according to the German Purity Law of 1516. The water that rises from the springs in the conservation area around Grevenstein is exceptionally soft.
Clemens Veltins |
Hard years of learning. Soft water.
The recipe for a success story.
Clemens VELTINS
Clemens Veltins grew up as the son of the mayor in the village of Hellerfeld. Out of a passionate search for the perfect beer, the young Clemens went on a 6 year 'pilgrimage' of learning and travelling - including to Milwaukee, the former stronghold of American beer. In 1852, directly after returning to his native region of Sauerland, he took over the small country brewery in the small hochsauerland town of Grevenstein. The uniquely soft water of this region of Germany enabled Clemens to produce a wonderful beer, which in addition to the the brewery's own guests, was also supplied to many bars in the area. In 1883, Clemens Veltins had a new building built on the outskirts of Grevenstein. He also bought a boiler and an ice machine, and shortly thereafter, the brewery was supplied with electric power.
Clemens Anton Veltins |
Two brothers with a passion.
Carl Veltins & Anton Veltins
In 1905, Clemens Veltins' factory was initially managed by the two sons, the twins Carl and Anton. Shortly thereafter, Carl's same-named son took over in the early 20's as his successor. It is from this era that the current company name C. & A. VELTINS is derived. Technical development progressed incessantly. After the installation of a refrigeration system, electric lighting and a power system was installed in the brewery – something which was an absolute novelty in the countryside!
Carl Veltins Junior |
The trendsetter from sauerland.
Carl Veltins Jr.
Under Carl Veltins Jr., the decision was taken to produce beer exclusively in accordance with the Pilsener brewing method from this era onwards. The decisive factor was the particularly soft spring water, which gives fresh VELTINS its unmistakable mild taste. Milestones in the work of Carl Veltins included the purchase of the first hand-operated bottle filling machine, a new artificial ice machine in 1951, the setting up and expansion of the brewery's own fleet of vehicles as well as securing the supply of water by opening up another spring.
Rosemarie Veltins |
Growth in harmony with nature.
Rosemarie Veltins
C. & A. VELTINS is expanding and is on its way to becoming one of the largest breweries in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The former brewery is included in the circle of million hectolitre producers. The brewery produced an annual output of 1.013 million hectolitres of fresh VELTINS for the first time in 1984.
Susanne Veltins |
Innovation and creativity for the new millennium.
Susanne Veltins
Susanne Veltins, the great-great-granddaughter of Clemens Veltins, manages the fortunes of this traditional company. The brewery is increasingly involved in the sponsoring of regional as well as international sports and in doing so significantly increases the recognition of its name. Above all, it is innovative strength that makes the brand and company into a growing, dynamic premium brewery with a family character.
Impressions
- 1910: No trace of industry: In the small idyllic town of Grevenstein, inhabitants earned their money from agriculture, trade and crafts. But the twins Carl and Anton Veltins changed the small tranquil town in the beautiful setting of Sauerland and created new jobs. In the early 1920s, Carl's son (of the same name) succeeded him. Electricity was used in the brewery for the first time ever – a true innovation for the time. Progress gathered pace.
- The foundation stone for the success story behind C. & A. Veltins is laid in the small, idyllic town of Grevenstein. Quickly, word gets around that high-quality, tasty beer is being brewed based on the Pilsener brewing technique. Following in the footsteps of the first inns in Grevenstein itself, a number of other innkeepers from Sauerland and Westphalia, wanted to get in on the act and pamper their guests with a fresh VELTINS as well. The brewery quickly developed into a well-known family business throughout Sauerland. A status that the company has preserved to this day.
- 1919: Another innovation thrills Sauerland: The VELTINS brewery purchases a vehicle for the delivery of beer kegs. From now on, the brewery horses will only be harnessed for show.
- 1949: The turmoil of the war years did not pass the VELTINS brewery by. Now the time has finally come: The occupying powers once again approve the production of full-bodied beer. In Grevenstein, fresh VELTINS is brewed again after almost 10 years.
- 1953: The production output is continuously increased. In this year alone, 12,000 hectolitres of fresh VELTINS was produced.
- High production standards: The technical revolution makes it possible – machines and refrigeration systems find their place in the brewery. This is the only way to meet the increased demand for fresh VELTINS and at the same time maintain the high quality standards. Along with this, the long-established company invests in the education and training of its own employees.
- 1964: An innovation in the history of brewing makes the purchase of a new bottling plant necessary: Bottle caps replace the flip tops on beer bottles. In the same year, Rosemarie Veltins takes over the management of the brewery - and the first newspaper advertisements promote fresh VELTINS.
- 1966: A brewery's own wastewater treatment plant is installed for the first time in Europe. Brauerei C. & A. VELTINS continues to focus on environmental protection and a responsible, resource-conserving approach to nature.
- 1968: Logistics becomes an increasingly important task for the traditional brewery - after all, many customers outside of Sauerland want to enjoy their fresh VELTINS and inns have to meet the growing demand. The family-owned company owns a large fleet of vehicles and creates many new jobs.
- 1974: C. & A. VELTINS celebrates its 150th anniversary. In the following years, Rosemarie Veltins continues to increase the brewery's production capacity. Brauerei C. & A. VELTINS is and remains a family business.
- 1974: (Crown) corks are popped to mark the 150th anniversary of the traditional brewery. The Veltins family as well as all employees and customers celebrate the success of the historic company, which is still on a course of expansion. Appropriately, a new administration building was built.
- 1975: In the mid-1970s, the C. & A. Veltins brewery finally became Grevenstein's landmark business. 200,000 cubic metres of rock were blown up and removed from the mountain behind the brewery in order to make way for the new malt silo, a modern high-bay warehouse, a large brewhouse and numerous other building complexes. However, the massive expansion soon ensured that further buildings would have to be built and existing brewing capacities would have to be increased again – the distribution of Veltins Pilsener grew noticeably.
- 1984: The former inn and brewery is included in the circle of million hectolitre producers. The brewery produced an annual output of 1,013 million hectolitres of fresh VELTINS for the first time.
- 1986: The enormous success ensured that new storage capacities and logistics concepts had to be created. For the first time, TV advertising was seen on TV - demand increased noticeably from year to year. Fresh VELTINS became well known and demand for it extended well beyond the borders of Sauerland. It would take a few years though until today's logistics centre, in which €7 million was invested in 2007, was finally completed.
- 1994: Susanne Veltins, the great-great-granddaughter of Clemens Veltins, manages the fortunes of the traditional company. The brewery is increasingly involved in the sponsoring of regional as well as international sports and this significantly increases its familiarity.
- 2012: Nearly 190 years after being founded, Brauerei C. & A. Veltins in Grevenstein is not only a landmark business, but also a model for innovation. 500 highly motivated employees are passionate about ensuring that fresh VELTINS can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the world. The family-owned company relies on a consistent growth strategy and constantly invests in state-of-the-art production facilities. This way, Brauerei C. & A. Veltins ensures its premium positioning in the highly competitive national market.