Octopi Brewery

NORD is on Tap

As the demand for craft beer continues to grow, there has been a shift for brewers to begin turning to contract breweries as a cost effective alternative brewing option to help them break into the fast growing craft brewing market. Not only do contract breweries help reduce the cost of rent and eliminate high equipment purchase costs for new craft breweries, there are also many environmental advantages to having production closer to all the various places of demand.

NORD drivesystems used for brewing equipment
Exterior building view of Octopi in Waunakee, WI

Focus on the Customer

Octopi Brewing, the leading contract brewery in the Midwest, recently opened a brand new 18,000 sq. ft. brew house just outside of Madison, WI. With state of the art equipment and skilled staff, Octopi Brewing is not only involved in the brewing process, they also provide comprehensive consulting and strategy development on how to succeed in the craft brewing world. "We are really a one stop shop. We're able to answer questions on marketing, design, distribution, accounting, brewing and working commercially. Our customer's success is our success," says Isaac.

NORD SK9072.1 Helical Bevel used in a lauter tun

Project Challenge

A NORD SK9072.1 Helical Bevel with a 5 horse power motor turns the rake in the lauter tun while an SK4282 Parallel Shaft CLINCHER™ with a 5 horse power motor rotates the agitator in the mash tun:

  • Flange mount
  • Energy efficient motors

NORD drive systems used with Octopi

Application Solution

Electronic Drive Control

The availability of either decentralized or centralized VFD control is another advantage of the NORD solution. The SK200E, SK180E and the new SK135E AC Vector Drive series are all designed to be used in a distributed control topology. Each series has its unique benefits and advantages. When the drive is motor mounted, it replaces the motor’s terminal box to create a combined, fully integrated Motor/Drive. Eliminating the need for expensive central control cabinets and costly wiring runs, distributed control VFD’s offer a sustainable cost savings, decrease installation time and keep labor costs associated to a minimum. System modifications and upgrades are very inexpensive.

Heavy Duty Bearings for Mixing & Leak Protection

Several variations of NORD’s heavy duty, spread bearing design are also available for reliable, worry free mixing. Each design offers additional features and advantages along with an increased degree of leak safety.

Smooth Surface Motors

NORD has expanded its motor portfolio to include smooth surface motors to provide a cost-effective, light-weight and easy to clean solution ideal for the beverage industry and applications where sanitation and cleanliness are essential.

Because each NORD product is customized specifically to your application, we provide you with the best solution for your requirements. NORD components are clean, safe, reliable and efficient, designed to operate continuously for long periods of time and requiring only minimal servicing.

NORDAC FLEX Variable Frequency Drive - SK 200E

Greater flexibility for reduced TCO costs and greater ROI

  • Power range: 0.33 – 30 HP (0.25 – 22 kW)
  • Protection class: IP55, IP66
  • Wall-mount or motor-mount
  • Modular structure provides maximum flexibility

NORDAC LINK Motor Starter - SK 155E

Quick Installation, Wear-Free Starting

  • Power range: 0.16 – 4 HP (0.12 – 3 kW)
  • Protection class: IP65
  • Wall-mount
  • Full plug-in capability
  • Custom configurable according to requirements and the application

NORDAC BASE Variable Frequency Drive - SK 180E

Compact drive, most important drive functions

  • Power range: 0.33 – 3 HP (0.25 – 2.2 kW)
  • Protection class: IP55, IP66
  • Wall-mount or motor-mount

A6028 - Drive solutions for the beverage industry


A6028 - Drive solutions for the beverage industry
  • Download US-English
Documentation Details

A6033 - Drive solutions for the food and beverage industry


A6033 - Drive solutions for the food and beverage industry
  • Download US-English
Documentation Details

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