CLEVELAND — Great Lakes Brewing Company has announced that they are exploring expansion opportunities in Northeast Ohio, but will continue operations at their historic Ohio City brewpub and gift shop "indefinitely."
GLBC officials say they are assessing potential sites for a new consolidated production facility in the Greater Cleveland area, including properties in Avon and the Scranton Peninsula in Cleveland's Flats.
“For us to grow and consistently produce the highest quality beverages, a larger modernized operation is needed,” said GLBC CEO Mark King. “Our current building is full of history and charm but limits us in terms of efficiency, output, and quality control. Having everything under one roof with more state-of-the-art amenities is vital for us to remain competitive and provide the safest, highest quality experience for our customers and staff. Our assessment of any potential build site must take all these factors into account.”
At this time, the project is in its exploratory phase, as officials say the need for a new facility is evident due to the space limitations. The company hopes to consolidate all brewing and packaging operations under one roof.
Previously, in 2020, the brewery opened a 67,000-square-foot canning facility in Strongsville. Despite its limited footprint, GLBC was the 18th largest independent U.S. craft brewery by volume in 2022.
The brewery's expansion plans on "maintaining a strong hometown presence, keeping production in the Greater Cleveland area and continuing operation of its iconic Ohio City brewpub and gift shop."
“We understand what our brewpub means to Ohio City, and there’s a mutual appreciation, so closing the brewpub has not been considered. We want to keep this special place running and serve our guests here for as long as we are able, while providing new, quality, and innovative products and experiences to even more consumers in a new production facility for years to come,” said King.
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