New keg and pallet quality center in Tucson will build on Microstar’s leading role as a beer keg provider.
MicroStar Logistics has expanded its quality service commitment to the beer industry, pledging to establish a new Keg and Pallet Quality Services Center in Tucson, Arizona. This ~270,000 square foot center will build on MicroStar’s leading role in repair and maintenance, serving millions of kegs and new, reusable pallets annually, for its wide range of customers, from small craft brewers to the world’s largest single brewery.
The upcoming facility will employ about 200 quality specialists and will showcase a variety of unprecedented equipment, inclusive of one of the world’s most advanced pallet cleaning lines. MicroStar also operates a network of other centers throughout the nation, facilitating efficient repair and maintenance of its 6-million-plus keg fleet. For a glimpse into MicroStar’s quality prowess, click here.
“This state-of-the-art facility further supports the beer industry’s commitment to quality. Our Quality Services teams have refined an impressive array of tools and techniques over more than 40 years, ensuring kegs stay in mint condition and functional, while extending these valuable assets’ lifespan,” stated Glen Opp, MicroStar’s Chief Operating Officer and President of MicroStar’s Network Services Division. “In Tucson, we are using this expertise to manage, clean, and maintain the top-quality fleet of reusable pallets.
“We’re collaborating with leading equipment manufacturers to build on our tested processes and also to pioneer new technologies such as robotics, vision inspection systems, sustainable water reclamation systems, and more, reinforcing our role as a high-performing extension of our brewers’ operations.”
Approximately 200 new jobs will be created by the new MicroStar facility, bringing substantial economic benefits to Southern Arizona. Job opportunities will span operations, production, quality control, logistics, management, and other areas. MicroStar is currently working on securing 20 acres for the new 270,000 square-foot building at the Rita Ranch Commerce Center in Tucson.
Support for new facility expressed by local partners
The project has engaged partners including the Arizona Commerce Authority, Sun Corridor Inc., Pima County, City of Tucson, Diamond Ventures, and Keyser.
“Pima County is pleased to announce that MicroStar Logistics will be joining the Pima County business community,” said Sharon Bronson, Pima County Supervisor, District 3. “With its significant capital investment and a large number of jobs across multiple disciplines, MicroStar is a welcome addition. We are prepared to assist with MicroStar’s workforce development needs and look forward to having it as part of the Pima County business community.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said, “I look forward to welcoming MicroStar to Tucson. Their mission of creating a circular economy aligns with the City of Tucson’s Zero Waste Goals. Tucson is leading in becoming a more sustainable, resilient, desert city and MicroStar is a welcome partner to our ongoing efforts.”
Susan Gray, president & CEO, Tucson Electric Power, said, “We thank MicroStar for its confidence and investment in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Our CEOs across the region stand ready to assist them and look forward to the company’s long-term prosperity here in the Tucson region.”
Joe Snell, president & CEO, Sun Corridor Inc., stated, “In recent years, big names have bet on Tucson for logistics operations, including Target.com, Amazon. Home Depot and HomeGoods, among others. As COVID-induced supply chain disruptions prompt companies to rethink their logistics networks, Tucson continues to be a strong option as a strategic logistics hub.”
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, stated, “We are excited to welcome Microstar’s world-class supply chain operations to Tucson. This advanced facility furthers Southern Arizona’s reputation as a premier logistics destination, while adding hundreds of jobs to the region.”
For more information, visit www.kegstar.com and microstarlogistics.com.
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
