Fourth-generation owned beer distributor Petitpren Inc. raises a glass in celebration of 90 years in business

CLINTON TWP., Mich. – A leader among beer distributors in Michigan since 1933, Petitpren Inc. is proud to celebrate 90 years in business this year. The company’s continued success is made possible by the hard work and commitment of its employees, a relentless focus on quality, and giving back to the communities it proudly serves. 

“My great-grandfather, Frank E. Petitpren, started this company out of a six-car garage on Broadway on the Clinton River in Mt. Clemens immediately following the end of Prohibition before moving to a location on Market Street,” said Brad Petitpren, president of Petitpren Inc. “Thanks to his leadership and that of my grandfather, Stan, and my father, Dean, our company established a mission to provide the highest quality products, a wide variety of choices, and superior service to our customers. It is a legacy I am proud to continue today alongside our hardworking, dedicated employees and my sons, Austin and Alec, who represent the fifth generation of our family in the business.”

With a commitment to building strong partnerships with its suppliers and giving back to its surrounding communities, Petitpren Inc. exemplifies the deep roots and longstanding histories for which Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are known. Petitpren donates more than $100,000 to local charities and municipalities each year and is a co-founder of SADD Michigan, a student-based organization that fights underage drinking and promotes alcohol education to minors.

“Our connections with the people in the communities where we live and work are integral to our company’s past and future prosperity,” said Taylor Ickes, HR manager at Petitpren. “Our team prioritizes contributing to the growth and success of Macomb County by staying active in sponsoring local events and activities that benefit health and wellness, children and youth, recreation, the environment, and more. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the presence and relationships we have built in our local communities for many years to come.”

Last year, Petitpren Inc. broke ground on a 30,000-square-foot addition to its Clinton Township warehouse. The expansion is helping the distributor accommodate a growing roster of suppliers and a draft cooler and represents Petitpren’s continued investment in the local community and good-paying jobs.

A dedicated steward of the environment, Petitpren Inc. has undertaken many energy efficiency projects over the past 10 years and recycles approximately 2 million pounds of aluminum annually.

Petitpren Inc. proudly serves retailers in Macomb County and a sliver of Wayne County, including the city of Hamtramck. In 1980, the company moved into its current location on Groesbeck Highway in Clinton Township. The warehouse sits on 10 acres of land, housing 135,000 square feet of warehouse space. Petitpren Inc. employs 102 people, including 95 full-time and 7 part-time workers.