Anheuser-Busch, the country’s largest brewer and a leading American manufacturer, has announced a $64 million investment at its Los Angeles brewery that will enable sustainable innovations and create jobs. The investment is part of the brewer’s announcement made earlier this year to invest $1 billion over two years in its facilities to help accelerate the nation’s recovery and drive economic prosperity in communities across the U.S.
“Our planned $1 billion investment in our facilities over the next two years is about supporting our local communities by creating and sustaining jobs during our nation’s critical period of recovery,” said Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. “The Los Angeles brewery plays an important role in enabling our innovations and producing the highest-quality products for our consumers to enjoy. This investment in Los Angeles and the surrounding community is one way that Anheuser-Busch is helping to accelerate our overall recovery.”
The investment will support production and sustainability upgrades. With these upgrades, the Los Angeles brewery will have the largest solar installation of any brewery in the United States, accounting for more than 10% of its total electricity use. It will also brew more than 100 brands – more than any other brewery in the Anheuser-Busch network. Additionally, the investment will create 16 new jobs at the Los Angeles brewery.
“For over 60 years, we have been proud to be a part of the Los Angeles community. With this investment, we are continuing our support for the local economy and reaffirming our leadership on sustainability and product innovation,” said Eric Gutierrez, Senior General Manager of the Anheuser-Busch Los Angeles brewery. “Reducing our environmental impact while at the same time adding jobs and expanding our ability to brew some of America’s most beloved brands is a “win-win” for the Los Angeles community.”
The investment in Los Angeles brewery is part of a larger investment spanning 26 states that will expand Anheuser-Busch’s U.S. operations, stimulate economies in communities across the country, and enable sustainable innovations. Anheuser-Busch owns and operates more than 120 facilities around the country and employs more than 19,000 hardworking people. The beer industry in the U.S. creates more than 2 million jobs and generates more than $331 billion in economic activity each year.
“Anheuser-Busch has been an important part of the Los Angeles community for more than 65 years, and these investments will strengthen our local economy – especially the hospitality and manufacturing industries who have been hit hard by the pandemic,” said LA City Council President Nury Martinez. “At the heart of our economy is working families, and this investment translates into support for them. We are glad to have Anheuser-Busch in Los Angeles and thank them for helping to lift up our community during this challenging time.”
“Anheuser-Busch is an iconic American company and I couldn’t be prouder that they’re making this significant investment in their San Fernando Valley brewery,” said Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. “In a state that values innovation and sustainability, we’re excited to see Anheuser-Busch improving its production capabilities and doubling down on its commitment to powering its breweries with clean energy. As California bounces back from the pandemic, investments like these will play a key role in our strong economic recovery.”
“U.S. manufacturing now more than ever is critical in our recovery from the effects of the pandemic,” said Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA). “With these increased investments in the San Fernando Valley, Anheuser-Busch is creating new jobs, spurring our economy, and demonstrating leadership in the fight against climate change. I am excited to see all the benefits that this investment will produce and wish A-B the best on this new enterprise.”
This investment will enable Los Angeles to continue to bolster its reputation as a high-quality, innovative and sustainably minded brewer – increasing new product capabilities and can capacity to meet consumer demand while reducing its overall environmental footprint with the installation of new solar panels and utilities and emissions reductions. Construction to upgrade the Los Angeles brewery is currently underway and is expected to be completed later this year.
