businessneutral

Lifting the Load: How a Kent Coffee Roaster is Brewing Up Safety

Kent, USASaturday, October 18, 2025
Advertisement

In Kent, Ohio, a local coffee roaster is making waves with a smart investment in safety. Bent Tree Coffee Roasters has just installed a new overhead crane system. This isn't just about lifting heavy bags of coffee beans—it's about keeping workers safe and making the business run smoother.

The Crane: A Game-Changer

The crane is a big deal. It can handle 150-pound bags of coffee beans with ease. Before, moving these bags required a team of people. Now, it's a one-person job. This upgrade is part of a $30,000 project, with a $25,000 grant from JobsOhio and Team NEO.

"It's about keeping our team safe while setting us up for the future."Ryan Brannon, Managing Partner

The crane isn't just about safety—it also improves workflow and creates room for growth.

From Small Café to Regional Brand

Bent Tree Coffee Roasters started small in 2011 as a downtown café. Now, it's a regional brand, supplying grocery chains, restaurants, and coffee lovers all over Northeast Ohio. They have a roastery on North Mantua Street and a coffeehouse downtown.

A Custom Solution for a Growing Business

The crane was built and installed by PWI, an engineering company from northern Indiana. They designed the system specifically for Bent Tree. This investment shows Bent Tree's commitment to their team and their community.

Safety First, Smart Business

By investing in their workers and operations, Bent Tree is brewing up a better future for everyone.

Actions