Anheuser-Busch to Invest More Than $1B in U.S. Operations Through 2014
ST. LOUIS -- Anheuser-Busch said it will invest more than $1 billion in its breweries and other facilities to support its brands and underline its commitment to the U.S. communities where it operates. The money will go toward projects such as modernizing its brewing processes, upgrading systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and installing equipment for new products and innovations, with additional allocations being made for projects through 2014.
"Our beer brands are the favorites of millions of U.S. adults and supporting their growth requires an ongoing commitment to quality, innovation and technologically advanced operations," stated Luiz Edmond, president of Anheuser-Busch InBev North America. "Our employees, local leaders and communities where we operate are a part of our success, and we are pleased to make business investments that are good for all of our stakeholders."
Future investments will continue the company's commitment to continuous process improvements in its operations, according to the announcement. Projects launched since 2010 include:
• $60 million invested in various improvements to Anheuser-Busch's historic St. Louis brewery, including a utility overhaul aimed at conserving fuel, electricity and water;
• $34 million in upgrades to its Houston brewery to increase production capacity and reduce its environmental footprint;
• $34 million to introduce packaging and brand innovation in Cartersville, Ga., and brewery upgrades to improve efficiencies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• $30 million in capital investments at its Los Angeles brewery for projects such as reducing the amount of fiberboard required for packaging and upgrading the wastewater treatment process;
• And $27 million to upgrade the Baldwinsville, N.Y. facility, increasing brewing capacity and adding new packaging lines, along with upgrading the wastewater treatment process.
"We are known for our quality brewing and these investments allow Anheuser-Busch to continue our legacy of brewing and packaging the highest-quality beer at facilities where we make environmental sustainability a priority," said Pete Kraemer, vice president, supply for Anheuser-Busch. "Brewery upgrades are only one way we contribute to the communities where we live and work, and our local teams deserve the credit for their initiatives to conserve water and energy, increase recycling and make a difference through volunteerism programs."
Anheuser-Busch is also investing in its agricultural operations and other facilities, including a $40 million investment in its Longhorn Glass facility in Houston, announced earlier this year. Its future spending plans are based on no new or increased taxes or unforeseen events that would negatively impact its business, the company noted.