Molson Coors to close Chippewa Falls brewery in Leinenkugel

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) – We’ve learned that Molson Coors has announced plans to close Leinenkugel’s Brewery in Chippewa Falls, ending more than a century and a half of brewing tradition in northwest Wisconsin.

Molson Coors Supply Chain Director Brian Erhardt released a statement regarding the planned closure of Leinenkugel’s Chippewa Falls brewery:

Following the termination of a major brewing contract agreement, and amid an ongoing investment project to bottle beer at our Milwaukee brewery, we have made the decision to close our two smaller breweries in Wisconsin and centralize statewide production at our main Milwaukee site. While these choices are never easy, these choices are made carefully and thoughtfully to position Molson Coors for continued success in Wisconsin and beyond.

Since Leinenkugel’s joined Miller Brewing in 1988, the brand and Chippewa Falls have been a valued part of our company and culture. This doesn’t change. Leinie’s Summer Shandy and the rest of the portfolio will continue to play a role in our premiumization plans, and Leinie Lodge and its adjacent pilot brewery will be open year-round for guests to enjoy the beer and history of Leinenkugel.

Brian Erhardt also posted a message to distributors:

As we transform our portfolio to succeed in the beer market and beyond, we must also continually find ways to transform our supply chain. We do this to achieve higher levels of performance, expand our capabilities and maximize our investments so that we can best meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s consumers.

This approach has allowed us to revitalize and now accelerate our business, but sometimes it requires us to make difficult choices. Such is the case today as we have made the very difficult decision to cease operations at the Tenth Street and Leinenkugel’s Chippewa Falls breweries effective January 17, 2025. Production at both locations will be moved to the Milwaukee Brewery.

We have made the decision to close Tenth Street in Milwaukee in connection with the sale of Tenth & Blake Breweries as production at the facility included these brands’ 19.2 oz cans. We will move production of Blue Moon 19.2 oz cans and other continuing brands to Milwaukee Brewery, made possible by investing in a can line at that facility.

In the case of Leinenkugel’s, the move followed a gradual shift in production of Leinie’s brands from Chippewa Falls to Milwaukee as the portfolio grew over the years; Milwaukee already produces more than 75% of Leinenkugel’s total volume.

Milwaukee Brewery is positioned to absorb this growing volume now that we are terminating our long-term contract brewing agreement at the end of the year, freeing up capacity for us to produce our own brands. We will keep distributors informed of any transition plans affecting Leinie brands.

Since Miller Brewing Company acquired Leinenkugel’s in 1988, the brand and Chippewa Falls have been a valued part of our company and culture. This doesn’t change. Leinie’s Summer Shandy and the rest of the portfolio will continue to play a critical role in our premiumization strategy, and Leinie Lodge and its adjacent pilot brewery will remain open year-round for visitors to enjoy and experience the Leinenkugel’s brand. There are no plans for any changes to the Barrels located at American Family Field.

While these choices are never easy, these choices are made with great consideration and consideration of the best interests of our business and the employees affected. I want to thank the Tenth Street and Chippewa Falls brewery teams for their years of dedication to our business. We have begun negotiations with both salaried and hourly employees, as well as their respective bargaining representatives. We remain committed to treating these changes with respect and providing affected employees with all necessary information and available resources.

While our reporter was at the brewery today, they heard reactions from nearby restaurants about the brewery closing.

“I’m still in shock. I’m just shocked. What is this, the fifth oldest brewery in the United States? This will bring everything to the city except fairgrounds and stuff. But it’s our biggest tourist,” said Heather Marble, owner of the Blue Marble Pub.

“Devastating. I mean, I knew the workers there who went to high school with them before and after, and they worked there for 30 years. And what are they going to do? I mean, they’re like 60 years old. How are they will they find another job? Keven Hager of the Chippewa Falls restaurant said.

We reached out to the brewery for comment and they referred us to Molson Coors. We’re actively working on this, and as we learn more, we’ll be sure to provide you with updates.