Labatt Blue Production Coming To Rochester’s Genesee Brewing Site

A popular brewing company in New York is set to undergo a massive transformation costing a total of approximately $50 million.

The 146-year-old brewing facility will get a face-lift that will allow the company to exponentially grow its manufacturing capacity.

Rochester, NY-Based Brewery Getting Major Changes

Genessee Brewing is the company that's set to get the major renovations. These changes specifically include updates to the packing center that will make their manufacturing operations much more streamlined, setting them up for major success.

57 new positions are expected to be created as a result of the renovations. Those jobs could be created as soon as within the next two years. These jobs will add to the over 500 employees already working for the company out of Rochester.

Moreover, the facility will diversify its production by becoming the inaugural site to manufacture the renowned Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light beers in the United States, supplementing the Canadian production and distribution.

A Pillar Of The Rochester Community

To support this venture, New York State has pledged a $7 million capital grant to Genesee’s parent company, FIFCO USA, facilitating the modernization efforts. Governor Hochul emphasized the brewery's longstanding role as a pillar of the Rochester community, expressing confidence that this investment will ensure its endurance for generations.

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She underscored New York's burgeoning manufacturing landscape, highlighting the influx of investments and job opportunities driving economic progress statewide.

The project entails augmenting the brewery's capacity through the installation of new equipment and tanks, following a prior $50 million investment in 2018. The Genesee Brew House, established in 2012, complements the brewery with its museum, restaurant, and pilot brewery, drawing over 400,000 visitors annually to its picturesque location by the Genesee River.

Notably, the Brew House clinched three awards at the 2023 New York State Craft Beer Competition, including the prestigious Governor’s Excelsior Craft Beer Cup for its Helles beer.

New York State’s Oldest Brewery

Founded in 1878, the Genesee Brewery stands as New York State’s oldest brewery and one of the nation's longest-running. In addition to its signature Genesee line, the brewery produces popular beverages such as Seagram’s Escapes and Lipton Hard Iced Tea, alongside various brands for major alcoholic beverage companies nationwide.