USA, MN: Lift Bridge Brewing Company to build larger production facility in Stillwater

Lift Bridge Brewing Company, Stillwater’s first craft brewery since Prohibition, announced April 25 that it has purchased 5.5 acres of property in Stillwater to build a much larger production and distribution facility. The new facility will allow the growing business to keep up with demand for its flagship beers and continue to add to its repertoire of new brews. Construction on the first phase of the new location will begin this August to kick off the brewery’s 10-year anniversary celebrations, ECM Publishers reported.

The new Lift Bridge brewery will be located less than a quarter-mile north of the current location, at the southeast corner of Orleans St. W. and Washington Ave., and will feature a taproom, patio and outdoor space.

“When selecting our future location, it was very important to everyone that the brewery remain in Stillwater,” said co-founder and vice president, Brad Glynn. “As we continue to expand into new markets across the Midwest, this will ensure that we are remaining true to our roots and our community by brewing and distributing everything from Stillwater.”

The new taproom will be double the size of the current taproom, but will keep the same feel, Glynn said.

“We want the taproom to be a comfortable place to come and enjoy a beer,” Glynn said. It was also important to increase the outdoor space with a dedicated patio and space for outdoor games.

After experiencing 10 years of consistent growth since the company was founded in a residential garage in 2008, Lift Bridge Brewing Co. is moving to accommodate projected growth at an estimated average of 20 percent over the next five years.

In 2014, the company brewed 8,000 barrels of beer, and grew to 19,000 barrels in 2017. After moving into the new facility Glynn said they plan to brew 35,000 barrels a year.

“Longer term, we will be able to expand to 95,000 barrels annually in 10 years,” Glynn said. “We want to continue to reach new people with our flagship beers, and also have space for some innovation with newer brands. Innovation is huge in craft brewing.”

Lift Bridge Brewing Co. distributes its craft beverages throughout Minnesota, Eastern North Dakota and much of Wisconsin. Glynn said they plan to increase distribution to the rest of North Dakota, South Dakota and perhaps to Iowa.

Lift Bridge ownership has chosen Hammel, Green & Abrahamson, Inc. as the architecture firm for the project, which is expected to be completed by next summer.

“HGA headed up the Surly brewery project, so they are coming with a wealth of experience,” Glynn said.

Metro East Commercial Real Estate represented Lift Bridge Brewing Co. in the search for their new location, a great challenge in a city with a limited amount of open industrial property. The property was owned by Health East and was not for sale at the time.

“It was important for us to stay in Stillwater, to stay in our hometown,” Glynn said. “There are not a lot 5-acre lots that are zoned properly for this kind of manufacturing in Stillwater.”

Glynn said that the company has approached the city for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and is still working with city staff. The company is also meeting with Washington County staff to pursue programs that support manufacturing jobs in Stillwater. Glynn said that they plan to hire more employees as production increases in the coming years.

26 April, 2018