Labatt investing $119 million in Alberta operations
by CM Staff
$69.2 million will go directly into Labatt's Edmonton brewery to expand production capacity and capability.
Image Credit: CNW Group/Labatt Breweries of Canada
Labatt Breweries of Canada has announced plans to invest $119 million in innovation, training and production enhancements in Alberta, with $69 million going directly to its Edmonton brewery to expand production capacity and capability.
“We’re proud of our history in Alberta with almost 60 years of brewing beer in Edmonton and serving Albertans across the province,” said Kyle Norrington, president of Labatt Breweries of Canada. “As the province continues its post-pandemic recovery, this investment is one more step in the right direction, with new jobs, economic growth and…innovation”.
The Edmonton brewery investment will support new technology, equipment, product lines and upgrades to the brewhouse and control room. It will also fund 30,000 square feet of new warehouse space and a 30,000 square-foot ready-to-drink building to support expanded brewing type and capacity. “This means ready-to-drink brands like Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Palm Bay, Okanagan Cider, American Vintage and in the near future, NUTRL Vodka Soda, will be produced locally in Edmonton along with other leading beer brands like Budweiser and Bud Light,” Labatt officials said.
Growing demand for ready-to-drink beverages represents 30 per cent of beverage alcohol category growth, the company said.
Built in 1963, Labatt’s Edmonton brewery has undergone four major capital investment programs since 2015. Today, the location employs more than 190 people. This past year, the Edmonton brewery shifted production to make hand sanitizer.
