Milestone For Monteith’s

MEDIA RELEASE
6th July 2011

Milestone For Monteith’s As Stage One Of Multi-Million Dollar Redevelopment Gets Underway

A new era in Monteith’s 143-year history begins on Friday 8th July when stage one of the redevelopment of the iconic brewery gets underway.

Friday sees the start of the decommissioning of aging brewing equipment which will replaced with modern and more energy and water efficient brewing technology early next year.

On the same day, production of the Monteith’s range will temporarily move to sister brewery, Mainland Brewery, near Timaru, until the redevelopment is complete in March. However Monteith’s Brewery manager, Tony Mercer, says he is already working on new brews to celebrate the brewery’s re-opening in spring.

“The new brewery will give us greater flexibility, not only in terms of interesting beer styles but also packaging formats,” he says. “Stage one of the redevelopment also provides me with additional time to tinker and test some truly special beers.”

Monteith’s tasting room and merchandise shop will remain open during stage one of the renovation however the traditional brewery tour has been replaced with an enhanced sensory visitor experience for $15 per person.

The new experience will be offered five times a day and includes a live interactive DVD which details the Monteith’s traditional brewing process. The experience also includes tastings of the Monteith’s range, and informed updates on the redevelopment progress.

The first step towards the redeveloped site will be celebrated by the Monteith’s team with a few drinks on Thursday over a barbeque.

The brewery is being developed at the cost of several million dollars to enhance consumer and tourism needs as well as ensure the longevity of the iconic site which has not been touched for many years.

“Our intention is to bring current consumer expectations in line with a more modern offering,” Tony explains. “That includes creating other innovative beer styles, a great tour and merchandise experience.”

As well as creating additional business opportunities for Greymouth, the new-look brewery will employ more full and part-time staff. It will also greatly increase visitor numbers.

Currently 16,500 people visit the Greymouth brewery each year but that figure is projected to rise to 40,000 by 2014 – an increase Greymouth District mayor, Tony Kokshoorn, welcomes.

“I’m delighted Monteith’s is investing in the West Coast and creating more jobs as a result. The redevelopment has the potential to have a significant impact on visitor numbers to the area which will be hugely positive for tourism operators through to retail stores.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media