USA: Anheuser-Busch invests additional $10 mln in its Williamsburg Brewery

Anheuser-Busch is in the process of investing $10 million into its Williamsburg brewery in an effort to enable the brewery to package beer in a variety of can sizes, Williamsburg Yorktown reported on December 16.

This latest investment, announced December 5, is part of more than $39 million that has been invested into the brewery over the past three years.

“Today’s announcement is another demonstration of Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to our brewery, which has been in operation for more than 40 years,” said Rick Shippey, general manager of the Anheuser-Busch Williamsburg brewery, in a news release. “This investment includes the addition of a slim package to one of our existing can lines, which will further enhance our ability to offer new and innovative packages for our consumers.”

In an interview, Shippey expanded on the packaging investment. Currently Anheuser-Busch packages Michelob Ultra in slim cans and puts Budweiser and Bud Light into 8-ounce cans; this new equipment will enable the Williamsburg brewery to participate in that packaging effort. Additionally, it will allow the brewery to experiment with other beverages to see if there is an opportunity to expand its product line.

Whether this investment will lead to additional jobs is not yet clear, but Shippey said he hopes it does.

“The investment itself is exciting to myself and the folks that work here with me because it’s a vote of confidence that the work we do here is valued and will continue for many, many years to come,” Shippey said.

The Williamsburg brewery opened in 1972 and produces more than 40 beers for distribution across seven states and Washington D.C.

“The continued investment in our Williamsburg brewery allows us to expand our brewing and production capabilities, as well as make upgrades to increase the energy and water efficiencies of our operation,” said Pete Kraemer, vice president of supply and head brewmaster for Anheuser-Busch, in a news release. “These investments also help support our talented team in Williamsburg, which is committed to carrying on our company’s long history of brewing excellence.”

18 December, 2013