Sapporo USA, the US subsidiary of the Japanese brewing company, is set to permanently close its Escondido brewing facility and bistro in California, resulting in 220 job losses.
According to notices filed with the state of California, redundancies will take place in stages starting on 19th October, when 58 employees will lose their jobs, with all non-hospitality operations expected to wind down by mid-November. The closure follows the sale of the Stone Brewing brand to Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Duvel Moortgat USA on 15th May. While the acquisition included brand rights and select hospitality venues, the Escondido production facility remained under Sapporo USA’s ownership.
Under the new operating structure, production of the Stone Brewing portfolio will shift to Firestone Walker’s brewery in Paso Robles (CA), and Duvel USA’s Boulevard Brewing operation in Kansas City (MO).
Commenting on the restructuring, Zach Keeling, Sapporo USA chief executive officer, said: “This week’s WARN notice filings relate solely to the Escondido, California brewery and bistro operations, which are being wound down by Sapporo USA. The affected team members are Sapporo USA employees and have no connection to Stone Brewing’s ongoing business under Firestone Walker or Duvel USA’s ownership”.
Source: The Drinks Business / FoodBev
