When all the improvements are completed in 2017, the Bottleworks will be able to brew just under 90,000 barrels annually, up from 45,000 now.

As part of Schlafly’s expansion, it’s adding up to six massive fermentation tanks to its current lineup of 26. It’s also adding another shift to its two exiting shifts, so beer will brew around the clock.

The expansion is critical. Schlafly brewed just under 60,000 barrels a year for the past three years, with its production remaining flat while rivals grew market share.

“When you’re up against the edge of capacity, going above that is hard to do,” Pendegraft said. “We’ve been flat for three years, and we’re recalibrating for growth.”

An increased number of craft breweries has taken market share from brands owned by the big brewers, including Anheuser-Busch, but also made the landscape more competitive for craft brewers like Schlafly.

“As consumers explore and get exposed to new beers, they’re trying out other beers,” Pendegraft said.