CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (KFGO WSAU) – One of Wisconsin’s best-known breweries will be closing as parent company Molson-Coors looks to restructure how products are produced in the state.
According to a statement by the former president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Dick Leinenkugel, the Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls will be closing after over a century in business, and the decision will be tough for the community, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the decision of the Molson Coors leadership team to close our Chippewa Falls brewery and home. For over 157 years and six generations of family management, Leinenkugel’s has been brewing great beers for our legions of fans throughout Wisconsin and across the country.”
“I feel for all impacted employees and their families in Chippewa Falls and trust that the Molson Coors leadership will do everything possible to ease their pain during this challenging time. I know the Molson-Coors leaders don’t take these decisions lightly. It’s clear to me that they determined that the savings resulting from the closure were significant enough to justify this difficult decision,” Leinenkugel continued.
Molson-Coors Chief Supply Chain Officer Brian Erhardt said that the closure will not change how the company views Leinenkugel’s popular products, saying, “Ever since Leinenkugel’s joined Miller Brewing in 1988, the brand and Chippewa Falls have been a cherished part of our company and culture. That’s not changing. Leinie’s Summer Shandy and the rest of the portfolio will continue to play a role in our premiumization plans, and the Leinie Lodge and adjacent pilot brewery will remain open year-round for guests to enjoy and experience the Leinenkugel’s beers and history.”
The closure date of Leinenkugel’s facility, which began operations in 1867 and has an estimated workforce of 120, is yet to be announced.
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