The Genesee Brewery's put its cold block into operation on Thursday. That's where the fermentation and filtration process takes place. Officials say the nearly $50 million dollar upgrade is the single largest in the company's history. The upgrade will allow the plant to produce more modern craft-style beers. 

"Our product mix has changed, the industry has changed and we do a whole spectrum of different products. We also want to be able to do that more sustainably," said Steve Kaplan, the head brewmaster. "The old brewery was more efficient for those core products, but for some of the craft styles, we weren't as efficient as we wanted to be. So we built capability, sustainability, and really this is going to open up a world of opportunity at this site for many many years to come." 

The new area of the brewery is completely automated. The modernization plan also includes the renovation and expansion of the Genny Brew House.