A struggling project to offer beverage can manufacturing and filling operations in a ‘disruptive’ integrated plant near Salt Lake City in Utah has found a new owner.

The plant, called Vobev, was originally constructed on a greenfield site in 2021 with a promise to disrupt the industry by shortening the development and distribution of new canned drinks.

When the project was announced, general manager Eric Cudnohoske said that the facility would be the first independent canmaker and filler in North America to streamline the beverage supply chain under one manufacturing roof.

But it ran into financial problems at the end of 2024, and by the following April the company was liquidated with New York-based Lowenstein Sandler representing the creditors. Lowenstein says it played a pivotal role by engaging in negotiations with the debtor and secured lender Ares Capital. Lowenstein says it reached agreement on a plan of liquidation and the creation of a trust funded by Ares to enable a potential recovery for general unsecured creditors.

Now the company is called Silver King Beverage Company. Chief executive John Sacksteder, who comes from a career in the brewing industry, says the name “reflects a bold step forward as we continue to grow and evolve”. 

The site acquired by Silver King covers 1.5 million sqft, and according to its website brings the whole canned drinks process under one roof, using the latest canmaking, decorating and can filling technologies purpose-built with flexible production lines and quicker changeovers to offer a wide range of can formats.

Explaining the changes at the facility, Sacksteder said: “We have made significant improvements within the facility that have resulted in improved operations and improved service to our customers. We are changing the culture of the organisation to one that puts both our employees and customers at the front of all that we do. 

“The hard work to become a premier beverage service provider in the USA is not over, but we are well on our way. We look forward to continuing to partner with you and winning together. Though our name is changing, our commitment to you remains the same as we strive to provide outstanding service, collaboration, and trust — now with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. We look forward to reaching new heights together as Silver King Beverage Company.”

Sacksteder has previously worked in the drinks industry at Mark Anthony Brewing in Chicago, and more recently at Visio Strategic Advisors.