Anheuser-Busch, which produces Budweiser, Bud Light and other beers, is investing $6.5 million into its Williamsburg brewery to uphold quality standards, improve infrastructure and drive efficiency.
The investment will go toward capital infrastructure projects including overhaul equipment and additional improvements, the company announced Monday. Part of the money will go toward increasing the capacity and capability of the Williamsburg brewery’s warehouse.
“Investing in the communities where our people live and work is part of who we are,” Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, said in a news release. “We’ve been producing high quality, great tasting products for generations, and continued investments in our facilities, like Williamsburg, help to position our business, communities, and industry for continued success.”
The Williamsburg brewery, which is located in James City County near Busch Gardens Williamsburg, has been operating since 1972. It employs over 400 people from the area, making it one of the major economic drivers.
The investment comes after Anheuser-Busch invested close to $2 billion in its facilities across the country over the last five years, according to the release. It’s also part of the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting local communities.
In October 2022, Anheuser-Busch announced a $20 million investment as the Williamsburg brewery celebrated its 50th anniversary. The plant was the ninth established by the company, which now operates 12 flagship breweries across the nation in 11 states. The company has over 120 facilities and employs around 65,000 people in the United States.
“Today’s announcement is another demonstration of Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to our brewery, which has been in operation for more than 50 years,” said Tom Jokerst, general manager of the Williamsburg brewery, in Monday’s release.
“This $6.5 million investment will allow us to continue brewing some of America’s most recognized and beloved brands right here in Virginia and make certain that we are able to uphold the highest-quality brewing standards for our products,” Jokerst said.
Terry Banez, CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, said the investment underscores Anheuser-Busch’s commitment in Virginia and “the vitality of our local manufacturing industry.”
“We are grateful that they are a part of our business community and for their positive impact on the local economy and community,” Banez said.
Sam Schaffer, samuel.schaffer@virginiamedia.com
