The journey.
As the newest division of The Koetter Group, our K-RAX team could not be more excited and honored to be a part of the Independent Stave Company – Boswell Family Barrel Warehouse at the UK James B. Beam Institute. We are looking forward to working with Joseph & Joseph + Bravura Architects on the project to give students and scientists the opportunity to learn together about our brand new, innovative barrel storage system for the first time. We stepped into the bourbon industry a few years ago providing fall protection and then remediation services for some of the largest distilleries in the world, including Beam Suntory and several others. From there, at the request of distilleries, we teamed up with Brown + Kubican Structural Engineers and Koetter Woodworking and began to research and develop what is now our K-RAX Barrel Storage System.
Safety is key.
We strategically developed our system around creating a safer environment for distilleries employees and their products, therefore we thought it would be a great fit for the James B. Beam Institute as well. We utilize glue laminated engineered lumber that is structurally engineered for today’s requirements. By incorporating full width walkways, tongue and groove aisles, single piece dunnage and increased fall prevention with wire-mat panels at floor openings the overall safety features of our rickhouse are enhanced. And our brace design allows for unbalanced loading and unloading of barrels, eliminating the need for plumb bobs.
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide our K-RAX system for the students and scientists at UK. Our hope is to have an impact on the future growth, education and safety of the bourbon industry for many years to come.
Check out the full article from UK’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment here.
