Briess Malt & Ingredients Co

Honoring heritage and community roots through a tangible, historical tribute during the company's milestone anniversary.

The Challenge

Briess Malt & Ingredients Co., a family-owned leader in malt production since 1876, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026. The company wanted a meaningful way to celebrate its deep roots in Manitowoc and Chilton, where the company has its Global Headquarters and production plants.

The goal was to create awareness of this rich history, boost local engagement, and highlight Briess's longstanding presence in the area, specifically incorporating K-Ball roasters originally used from 1953-1978, which helped establish Briess as a major producer of roasted caramel malts and dark roasted malts.

The Solution

FifthColor collaborated with Briess on a targeted experiential and fabrication project to feature their heritage and repurpose original K-Ball roasters into striking anniversary displays.

The approach focused on authenticity and nostalgia, transforming an actual historical K-Ball elements into a custom 3D display to commemorate the anniversary at two locations.

What We Did

• Conceptualized and designed custom displays incorporating the authentic 1953 K-Ball roaster components as the centerpiece.
• Executed fabrication with 3D elements, graphic design, and production to create durable, eye-catching displays suitable for outdoor placement.
• Installed the displays in key locations throughout the Manitowoc and Chilton communities, serving as public landmarks to celebrate Briess' milestone. The installation took place in snowy conditions with temperatures around 15°F.

The Results

The 150th Anniversary K-Ball Displays were successfully created and placed in each community, showcasing Briess's 150 years of business and innovation in malting. This tangible tribute reinforced local pride, increased visibility of the company's heritage, and aligned with broader anniversary celebrations.

This wasn’t just another visual display. It was a real piece of Briess history, reimagined and repositioned in the heart of the community. The authenticity and storytelling component made it feel personal and enduring rather than promotional.