BrewDog to expand into U.S. with Ohio brewery
It was only a matter of time. Scots craft beer maker BrewDog, on 6 June 2015, at its AGM revealed plans to build a brewery in Columbus, Ohio, which is expected to create around 100 jobs. The 100-barrel brewhouse with an estimated annual capacity of 56,000 hl will be the company’s first brewery outside Scotland and will house its U.S. offices, a visitor centre, a craft beer restaurant and a taproom, BrewDog announced.
The new location will allow BrewDog to more easily deliver beer to its American fans. In addition to the new brewery, the firm is also planning to open five flagship bars in the country’s craft beer hubs, such as the West Coast, the North East and Florida.
An American crowdfunding scheme, Equity for Punks USA, will launch later this year to help fund its expansion.
No figures were released about the amount of money BrewDog will spend on the project, nor how much it plans to raise in the United States.
Founded in 2007, BrewDog has grown at a fast rate, opening 27 bars worldwide since 2010. It now exports to 55 countries and employs 360 staff. Beer sales were about 90,000 hl in 2014. Earlier this year the brewer reported turnover to have increased 64 percent to more than GBP 29 million (USD 45 million) in 2014, with pre-tax profits coming in at GBP 3.7 million (USD 5.7 million).
In the UK, in April, Brewdog launched its biggest crowdfunding bid to date, calling upon investors to help it raise GBP 25 million (USD 38 million).
