BELLINGHAM - With sales continuing to take off, Kulshan Brewery is preparing to expand its beer-making capacity.

New equipment being put into place Wednesday, Feb. 13, included a 15-barrel brew house, which will replace a seven-barrel brew house to double Kulshan's beer-making capacity.

The new equipment will allow the brewery to introduce more styles of beer more quickly, said Rob Whitney, the wholesale sales representative for the company.

Also in the works later this spring is putting in other equipment, increasing its taps from six to 14 and adding a covered beer garden area.

The brewery on James Street, founded by David Vitt, opened last April and had already expanded its production last summer. The brewery quickly became known for focusing on locally made beer and allowing outside food to be brought into the drinking area. It currently has a rotation of four different food trucks onsite during the week, and that's expected to increase as the weather improves.

"I think the key has been to keep it as local as possible when it comes to working with businesses," said Whitney, adding that it has led to a loyal, local customer base.

Reach Business Editor Dave Gallagher at 360-715-2269 or dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com. Read his business blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/business or follow him on Twitter at @bhamheraldbiz.