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Historic brewery set for closure | |
(about 10 hours later) | |
A 600-year-old brewery will close its west London site next year, leaving nearly 200 workers facing redundancy. | A 600-year-old brewery will close its west London site next year, leaving nearly 200 workers facing redundancy. |
The Stag Brewery in Mortlake has operated since the 15th century and currently employs 182 staff. | The Stag Brewery in Mortlake has operated since the 15th century and currently employs 182 staff. |
Owner InBev said the facility, which brews Budweiser, Bud Ice and Michelob, will be closed under restructuring plans. | |
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) called the decision a "sad day" for the drinks industry. | |
The decision follows InBev's merger with Anheuser-Busch last year. | The decision follows InBev's merger with Anheuser-Busch last year. |
In a statement, the company said: "This announcement is not a reflection on the quality of our employees, who will be an integral part of this process and will be treated with respect throughout." | In a statement, the company said: "This announcement is not a reflection on the quality of our employees, who will be an integral part of this process and will be treated with respect throughout." |
We think we're a lean, mean brewing outfit, and we want to be given a chance Brewing engineer Simon McGuinness | |
Simon McGuinness, brewing engineer and Unite steward, said: "Of course it's come as a shock. Some of us have only found out this morning. | |
"We think we're a lean, mean brewing outfit, and we want to be given a chance. | |
"The brewing industry is in recession, and every brewery is looking over its shoulder at the moment. | |
"Certainly the government hasn't helped with the excess duty on alcohol. They've been very punitive." | |
Global brewers | |
Iain Loe, of CAMRA, said: "This brewery has not made any real ale for a long time, but its closure is obviously a sad day for the industry and the workers. | |
"It is a reflection of what is happening, with firms becoming global brewers. | |
"It contrasts with what other firms such as Fuller's are doing, by investing in their breweries. | |
"Real ale is one of the growth areas in the industry and, especially in times of recession, InBev should be looking to invest in local breweries." | |
The brewery was previously owned by Watneys as well as a joint venture between Anheuser-Busch and Scottish Courage. | The brewery was previously owned by Watneys as well as a joint venture between Anheuser-Busch and Scottish Courage. |
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