Former Rolling Rock Brewery To Reopen
LATROBE, Pa. -- By June 1, the former Rolling Rock brewery located here will be up and running and employing 250 people, according to Governor Edward G. Rendell, who announced a $4.5 million state investment that would open the facility and employ many former employees. The brewery closed its doors when Anheuser-Busch bought the brand last year for $82 million and transferred brewing to its New Jersey facility.
"When Rolling Rock left town, Latrobe lost one of its most historic icons. But more importantly, it lost a significant portion of its tax base and a large employer," said Governor Rendell. "We immediately went into action, seeking a buyer that would invest in the community and retain the skilled workers that built one of the beer industry's premier brands."
The brewery will soon be home to City Brewing, which received a number of grants and loans totaling more than $4.5 million to upgrade the facility and meet production of its line of beers, iced teas and energy drinks. A $10.4 million investment from the company will offset the money given to City Brewing to start the venture.
"City Brewing Company is very appreciative of all the assistance and support received from Governor Rendell and the Governor's Action Team, as well as all the assistance of the local officials and the entire community," said City Brewing Co. chief operations officer Kenn Yartz. "We value the hard work everyone has put forth in helping City Brewing Company put this historic brewery back in production. It is our belief that we will bring a new era of beer and beverage co-packing production to Latrobe and Western Pennsylvania."
With a yearly capacity of 70 million cases, City Brewing is a contract packager of beer and flavored malt beverages. The company also packages non-alcoholic beverages, including teas, energy drinks, juices and carbonated soft drinks.
"When Rolling Rock left town, Latrobe lost one of its most historic icons. But more importantly, it lost a significant portion of its tax base and a large employer," said Governor Rendell. "We immediately went into action, seeking a buyer that would invest in the community and retain the skilled workers that built one of the beer industry's premier brands."
The brewery will soon be home to City Brewing, which received a number of grants and loans totaling more than $4.5 million to upgrade the facility and meet production of its line of beers, iced teas and energy drinks. A $10.4 million investment from the company will offset the money given to City Brewing to start the venture.
"City Brewing Company is very appreciative of all the assistance and support received from Governor Rendell and the Governor's Action Team, as well as all the assistance of the local officials and the entire community," said City Brewing Co. chief operations officer Kenn Yartz. "We value the hard work everyone has put forth in helping City Brewing Company put this historic brewery back in production. It is our belief that we will bring a new era of beer and beverage co-packing production to Latrobe and Western Pennsylvania."
With a yearly capacity of 70 million cases, City Brewing is a contract packager of beer and flavored malt beverages. The company also packages non-alcoholic beverages, including teas, energy drinks, juices and carbonated soft drinks.