Lion to close Swan Brewery
Lion has announced its intention to close Western Australia’s Swan Brewery, with 80 roles being made redundant as well as impacts on contract labour requirements. Sales and support roles will not be affected and will be relocated to a new site office.
“Lion undertakes regular reviews of its operations and unfortunately The Swan Brewery has been operating substantially below full capacity for some time and will require significant ongoing capital investment to maintain its current operations, which is no longer sustainable,” said James Brindley, Managing Director of Lion Beer, Spirits & Wine Australia.
“This is not something we have taken lightly and is no reflection on the dedication and capability of our people at The Swan Brewery or the importance of the WA market to our business. We will be consulting with our people to support them through this significant change.”
Brewing of the iconic Swan and Emu brands will be transferred to its West End Brewery in South Australia, as will its WA keg production. Its WA pack production will be transferred to the James Boag & Son Brewery in Tasmania.
Lion assures consumers that Swan and Emu will continue to be brewed to the same recipe, with expert brewers beginning the process of brew emulation testing to ensure flavour consistency.
“Lion remains committed to the Swan and Emu brands and to the Western Australian market,” continued James. “Our ongoing sales presence in WA and our recent acquisition of Little World Beverages demonstrate that we continue to see WA as an important part of our future.”
The company will invest $70 million in the West End Brewery to increase cider and international brand capability and accommodate the brewing of WA keg production. It will also invest $12 million in the James Boag & Son Brewery to increase the brewery’s capability to brew national brands and accommodate WA pack production. Current Swan employees will be offered newly created roles at both breweries as a first priority.
The Swan Brewery is expected to close by the end of March 2013, subject to further consultation.
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