USA, WI: Briess Malt & Ingredients to close its Waterloo production facility

As Briess Malt & Ingredients Company continues to expand its Manitowoc operations, company officials announced plans to close its Waterloo, Wisconsin plant, the Heralds Time Reporter said.

The Manitowoc facility has the infrastructure, access to several forms of product transportation and capacity for Briess to grow, company officials said in a news release.

Briess completed nearly three years of a $17 million expansion project of its Manitowoc plant last year, allowing the business to expand its custom barley processing and malting operations in downtown near Washington and Jay streets.

The work included demolition of aging structures and a rebuilding project, which added underground water and sewer, the installation of four custom roasters, and construction of new grain silos and an automated packaging line for production and packaging of specialty roasted malts.

Plans also include space for a new Briess Experience Center, meant to be a gathering spot to engage customers and highlight the company’s traditions.

The company also plans to phase out malting at its Chilton operation, ending a 119-year tradition. Briess headquarters will remain in Chilton, according to company President and Chief Operating Officer Ryan O’Toole.

The transition would make the lakeshore the only Briess malting site in Wisconsin. It also owns a site in Wyoming. The company also manufactures food ingredients and pet food ingredients for the U.S. and international markets.

Briess has been a family owned malting company since its founding in 1876.

19 January, 2021