E-Malt.com News article: 1006

Anheuser-Busch, Inc., announced on May 1, 2003 ongoing plans for a major modernization and redesign of the company's Williamsburg brewery. The $200 million project will enable the brewery to combine cutting-edge technology with time-honored brewing processes to continue to meet its current and future production needs. The project will be completed in 2005. Gov. Mark Warner was on site for the announcement to speak to the economic benefits of the project. The Anheuser-Busch Williamsburg brewery purchases materials and commodities totalling more than $332 million per year from Virginia businesses and sells products directly to 17 Virginia Anheuser-Busch wholesalers who collectively employ another 1,000 Virginians.

"I am pleased that Anheuser-Busch has committed $200 million to modernize the Williamsburg brewery," said Gov. Warner. "Virginia works hard to create an environment in which businesses can succeed, employ our citizens and strengthen the local economic base. We are grateful and proud that the Williamsburg brewery has been a corporate citizen for more than 30 years and continues to grow. Anheuser-Busch is a major employer and its continued presence here in James City County is important," Warner added.

The Williamsburg brewery is one of 12 Anheuser-Busch breweries across the country. Last year, the brewery produced more than 9.5 million barrels of beer. The modernization/redesign project includes enhancements to control systems, cleaning systems, beer delivery systems, new state-of-the-art production lines, utility systems, improvements to logistics systems and enhancements to offices and conference rooms. Brewery employees have also benefited from the addition of a new learning center and a new dining facility that were finished last year.


06 May, 2003