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This is the second of two programmes comparing Penrhos Court Brewery and the Carlsberg Lager Company. The focus of this programme is production. The first part deals with the methods and processes ...of producing beer by the two companies. The second part of the programme examines the short and long term difficulties associated with changing output. In the short term both can vary one factor to change output. In the long term both face the problem that current plant capacity is going to be inadequate to meet future demand. What emerges from this programme is that, although the companies operate on very different scales, they face similar production problems.
This is the second of two programmes comparing Penrhos Court Brewery and the Carlsberg Lager Company. The focus of this programme is production. The first part deals with the methods and processes ...of producing beer by the two companies. The second part of the programme examines the short and long term difficulties associated with changing output. In the short term both can vary one factor to change output. In the long term both face the problem that current plant capacity is going to be inadequate to meet future demand. What emerges from this programme is that, although the companies operate on very different scales, they face similar production problems.
| Module code and title: | D222, Microeconomics |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D222; 04; 1978 |
| First transmission date: | 14-05-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:05 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Nigel Houghton |
| Contributors: | Neil Costello; Martin Griffiths; Petr Austin; Michael Iuul; Michael Macdonald; Jorgen Romose |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Brewing; Carlsberg; Supply and demand; Economics; Penrhos |
| Footage description: | The programme opens with shots of the Carlsberg and Penrhos Breweries. Neil Costello introduces the programme, comparing the output of the two breweries. He then gives a brief explanation of how beer is made and the differences between beer and lager. Peter Austin, Brewery Consultant, explains the brewing procedure at Penrhos Court. Neil Costello compares this to the procedure at Carlsberg. Jorgen Romase, Head Brewer of Carlsberg UK, points out the differences between brewing beer and lager. Shots of the Carlsberg Brew House and plant. Neil Costello describes the storage of the lager and the company's policy over quality control. Shots of Carlsberg staff tasting lager for quality. Michael Iuul, Managing Director Carlsberg UK, argues that because lager is a stable product it is easier to handle and store than beer. Shots of bottling machinery. Neil Costello now raises the issue of how quickly each firm can alter its production to meet changes in demand. Peter Austin explains how the brewing facilities at Penrhos Court could be increased, Martin Griffiths, owner of Penrhos Court brewer describes the problems he has had in obtaining barrels. He could increase production by about 20% but he would need a larger vehicle for deliveries. Extra labour would not increase production significantly. Over shots of the Carlsberg factory and bottling lines, Neil Costello describes the size of the Carlsberg investment and the capacity of the plant. Jorgen Romase explains that output is varied seasonally. Apart from a long range plan, output can be varied from week to week. Michael Iuul explains that it is uneconomical to operate the plant at its maximum capacity. It is possible to occasionally increase production by a full shift. Hiring an extra man would not help to increase production. Neil Costello now considers the long-term plans of both companies. Peter Austin describes how Penrhos Court could expand production in years to come. Michael Iuul explains that the Northampton plant is a fully harmonised unit. To expand, the firm would have to build elsewhere. As an alternative to this Carlsberg may allow other firms to produce their lager under licence. Neil Costello argues that distribution is also part of the production process, and a major cost for any brewery. Martin Griffiths describes the distances over which he delivers his beer. Neil Costello describes some of the difficulties encountered in delivering real ale. Shots of Carlsberg distribution centre. Michael Macdonald, Managing Director, Carlsberg Distributor Ltd., explains that his firm is constantly looking for ways to cut distribution costs and increase the numbers dropped at each delivery. Neil Costello sums up the problems of production which are common to both firms. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72718 |
| Production number: | 00525_2418 |
| Videofinder number: | 87 |
| Available to public: | no |
