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DB announced last year that it would stop making Monteith’s in Greymouth and instead switch production to Timaru and Auckland.
Monteith’s historic Greymouth Brewery is being delivered to the West Coast community.
DB Breweries announced in November that it would move commercial production from its Monteith brewery in Greymouth to its other breweries in Timaru and Auckland.
This is not the first time that DB has tried to put an end to the Monteith making in Greymouth. The brewery dates back to 1868 and the beer brand was founded on the west coast.
In 2001, the attempted closure of DB sparked a public backlash in New Zealand and a boycott of the company’s products, resulting in a pushback several days later and the brewery reopening in a much smaller format with the shared production in Greymouth, Auckland and Timaru. .
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Development West Coast CEO Heath Milne said he and Gray Mayor Tania Gibson had been talking with DB / Heineken to find a viable alternative.
“While it is disappointing to see the end of the iconic brand being crafted in its original home, we have achieved a good result through the positive engagement with DB / Heineken,” he said.
“In recognition of the West Coast brand they have successfully leveraged and the loyalty of the Coasters who have helped build their brand, DB / Heineken has offered to deliver their bottling plant.”
Milne said a new commercial company could be established at the bottling plant to create new opportunities for the region.
“We are already working closely with our local craft brewers to see how we can best utilize this resource,” he said.
“It is very sad to see the brewing staff lose their jobs, some after more than 30 years on the site. Hopefully his experience can play a role in any new venture as well. “
Gibson said the Monteith’s Brewery gastropub in Greymouth was a major source of local employment.
“It is sad to see the brewing operation abandon Greymouth, but from a business perspective, the viability of DB / Heineken is not there. By working together, we can create a new outcome for our community and help support the 25 positions that are still at the gastropub. “
A DB spokeswoman said the company would comment further when the plans are finalized.
Ross Setford / Supplied
DB Breweries has moved commercial production from its Monteith brewery in Greymouth to its other breweries in Auckland and Timaru.
“In light of the impact of Covid and a broader need for us to optimize our operations, last year the remaining small commercial production at Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth was moved to our other sites,” he said.
The Greymouth Brewery had been producing less than 0.1 percent of the company’s total annual volume. The production shift eliminated seven roles, including three full-time and four part-time jobs.
“The changes do not affect the gastropub and the experience at Monteith’s Brewery, nor the footprint of our site, which remains unchanged, and we are committed to keeping the gastropub and experience as a highlight for visitors to Greymouth,” he said.
The gastropub employed about 25 local people and attracted about 40,000 visitors a year.
“Since the change last year, we have met with District Mayor Gray and the Executive Director of Development West Coast to discuss the changes, reaffirm our commitment to the site and the community, and explore other ways we can support the local community that is sustainable and in our mutual interest, ”said the spokeswoman.
