Growth is a great problem to have until your equipment can’t keep up.
For many coffee businesses, there comes a point where demand increases, wholesale accounts expand, and production capacity becomes a bottleneck. That’s exactly the moment when the right coffee roasting machine can make all the difference.
A great example of this in action is 321 Coffee, a North Carolina-based roastery that recently expanded into a new production facility, tripling its roasting capacity in the process.
Their story highlights what happens when the right equipment meets the right mission.
Who Is 321 Coffee?
Q: What makes 321 Coffee unique?
321 Coffee is more than just a growing roastery; it’s a mission-driven company focused on creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As noted in the article, their growth has been fueled by both retail and wholesale demand, as well as by their expanding café footprint in the Raleigh-Durham area.
This combination of purpose and growth created a need for more production capacity and more efficient systems.
What Happens When a Roastery Outgrows Its Equipment?
Q: What are the signs that a roasting setup can’t keep up anymore?
321 Coffee reached a point many roasteries recognize:
- Rising wholesale demand
- Increased production volume
- Workflow inefficiencies
- Limitations in their existing setup
To solve this, they moved into a new 5,000-square-foot facility and upgraded their roasting equipment, adding a Loring S35 alongside their existing S15.
The result?
More than triple the production capacity.
How the Right Coffee Roasting Machine Supports Growth
Scaling isn’t just about producing more coffee; it’s about doing it efficiently, consistently, and sustainably.
1. Increased Capacity Without Compromising Quality
By upgrading their roasting setup, 321 Coffee was able to:
- Roast significantly higher volumes
- Maintain consistent quality
- Support wholesale growth
In fact, the company roasted over 100,000 pounds of coffee in 2025 alone.
2. Improved Workflow and Accessibility
Q: How does equipment affect daily operations?
The new facility was designed with workflow and accessibility in mind.
According to co-founder Michael Evans, the team focused on:
- Reducing physical strain
- Improving the movement of green coffee
- Creating a more accessible roasting environment
This is a powerful reminder that the right roasting machine isn’t just about output, it’s about how people interact with the process.
3. Technology That Simplifies Operations
Interestingly, 321 Coffee found that simpler systems often worked best.
While earlier iterations relied heavily on digital systems, the team ultimately moved toward a more streamlined workflow supported by effective tools and strong processes.
This aligns with Loring’s design philosophy:
- Smart where it matters
- Simple where it counts
- Built for real-world operations
Why Loring Roasters Fit Scaling Roasteries
321 Coffee’s setup includes both the Loring S15 and S35, machines designed to scale production while maintaining efficiency and consistency.
Loring’s single-burner convection system helps roasteries:
- Reduce fuel use by up to 80%
- Lower emissions significantly
- Maintain consistent roast profiles
- Eliminate the need for an external afterburner
👉 Learn more about Loring’s roasting technology:
https://loring.com/roasters/
How Growth, Mission, and Technology Work Together
What makes this story stand out isn’t just the production increase; it’s how growth supports a broader mission.
321 Coffee continues to:
- Expand employment opportunities
- Grow its café footprint
- Build wholesale partnerships
- Scale production responsibly
Their new roasting setup isn’t just about capacity; it’s about creating a system that supports people, process, and purpose.
Conclusion
Every growing roastery reaches a point where equipment becomes the limiting factor. The difference is what you do next.
321 Coffee chose to invest in a roasting system that allowed them to scale efficiently, improve workflow, and stay aligned with their mission.
The right coffee roasting machine doesn’t just increase output—it creates the foundation for sustainable growth.
👉 Explore how Loring roasters support scaling businesses:
https://loring.com/roasters/
👉 Or connect with the team to discuss your next step:
https://loring.com/contact/