Anheuser-Busch will invest more than 1.5 billion in its US operations during the next three years. The money will go towards upgrading the beer giant’s brewing, agriculture, packaging and distribution operations.
According to the company—whose brands include Budweiser, Goose Island, Michelob, Beck’s, Shock Top and Rolling Rock among others—an estimated $850 million will be spent on brewery and packaging expansion projects, $220 million on product innovation initiatives and $720 million in sustaining and increasing efficiency of its existing footprint.
“Our beers lead their categories because we hold quality at the center of every beer we produce and invest in our brands through talented people, new innovation and advanced operations,” said Joao Castro Neves, president of Anheuser-Busch InBev North America. “We have demonstrated commercial success from recent investments which increases opportunity for future projects. When we make investments in our local communities it is good for all stakeholders, including employees, local legislators and community leaders – they are critical to our success.”
The company said there are already projects underway in 2015, including:
-$150 million expansion project at the St. Louis-area Metal Container Corporation facility to increase production of the popular Bud Light aluminum bottles.
-$45 million to build new can line and additional warehouse at Fort Collins brewery to produce the slim, 12-ounce can style.
-$20 million in capital investments at the Los Angeles brewery to add new water efficiency and treatment capabilities.
-$18 million in investments at the Columbus brewery, including a sustainability project that will reduce energy needs by recovering heat for use in fueling the operation.
-$12 million invested in the company’s historic St. Louis brewery for various improvements, including projects to conserve resources and support new innovations.
-$11 million to develop and integrate new products, including Bud Light MIXXTAILs and Oculto across multiple breweries.
