Molson Coors Rejects Offer from Leinenkugel Family to Buy Back Brewery
Molson Coors has turned down an offer from the Leinenkugel family to repurchase the brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where Leinenkugel’s beer has been produced since 1988 when Miller Brewing acquired the brand.
Last November, Molson Coors announced the closure of the Chippewa Falls brewery, leading the Leinenkugel brothers, Jake and Dick, to make a bid to save the facility. In a statement to the local Fox affiliate, they expressed their disappointment at the decision, emphasizing the brewery’s significance as a symbol of their legacy and a source of pride for the community.
Despite Molson Coors CEO Gavin Hattersley acknowledging the brand’s importance, the company plans to repurpose the plant as a pilot brewery, shifting production of Leinenkugel’s to its Milwaukee facility. The closure of the Chippewa Falls brewery resulted in the loss of 56 jobs.
Like other major players in the beverage industry, Molson Coors is adjusting its production to align with changing consumer preferences. This trend is exemplified by Brown-Forman’s recent announcement to close a whiskey barrel-making plant, leading to over 600 job losses.