Short's Brewing Co.

The taps at Short's Brewing Company in Bellaire.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect Atwater Brewery's 2014 production.

BELLAIRE, MI — Short’s Brewing reported significant growth in 2014.

The Antrim County craft brewery made 34,443 barrels of beer last year, a production number that pushed the company past New Holland Brewing Co.

Short’s announced its year-end production numbers this week. The brewery boosted its output last year by 11,577 barrels over 22,866 in 2013.

“It's been an exciting year for Short's Brewing Company with our strong growth, especially considering we're a Michigan only company ” which only distributes exclusively within the state, said Short’s CFO Brian Beckwith.

Short’s been neck-and-neck with New Holland in beer output for several years.

In 2014, New Holland made 32,774 barrels of beer, according to company staff. That's an increase of 7,199 barrels over the 25,575 made in 2013.

New Holland did not have a specific 2015 production estimate. Expected output will be more than 40,000 barrels, said Emily Haines, New Holland community manager.

New Holland, which distributes in more than 20 states and also distills spirits, is building a second brewing and distilling facility this year in Grand Rapids. It opened a new 1,600 square-foot tasting room storefront called Sidecar next to its downtown Holland pub in late 2014.

Short's expanded its production facility in Elk Rapids last year with an onsite waste water pretreatment system and high-end Krones bottling line.

According to Beckwith, Short’s plans to brew more than 45,000 barrels and bottle more than 50 beers in 2015. The company is also expanding its Bellaire pub with more seating, a new kitchen and exterior upgrades.

Short's also began a cider-making division in late 2014.

Detroit's Atwater Brewery, similar in size to Short's and New Holland, produced 40,250 barrels in 2014 and plans expansions in the year ahead.

There's still a wide gap between Short's output and the state's two largest breweries. Bell’s, Michigan’s largest brewer, shipped 318,000 barrels in 2014.

Founders shipped 193,356 barrels in 2014, but its $40 million expansion underway in downtown Grand Rapids should give it the capacity to brew 900,000 barrels when complete.

Garret Ellison covers business, government, environment and breaking news for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at gellison@mlive.com or follow on Twitter & Instagram