Bath Ales investment gets green light

St Austell Brewery has announced its ambitious plans for Bath Ales, million-pound investment and the appointment of a new general manager.

The investment in a state-of-the-art new brewery – which is set to double the available brewing capacity – will put Bath Ales on the map as having some of the most sophisticated and technologically-advanced brewing and packaging facilities in the South West.

Details of the investment at Bath Ales comes in the same week as announcing new general manager Tim McCord. McCord has been appointed and will play a key role in driving forward the future growth of Bath Ales.

With a comprehensive licensed trade and brewing background, McCord brings with him more than 20 years of senior drinks industry experience. As well as holding the consultant role of managing director at Dartmoor Brewery in Devon, McCord was also responsible for leading the set-up, launch and strategic direction of the new Salcombe Brewery and brands. Prior to that McCord held senior sales roles with InBev and Punch Taverns.

Following the acquisition of the fellow South West brewer and pub company in July last year, the investment and appointment announcements from part of St Austell Brewery’s exciting growth plans for Bath Ales.

James Staughton, Chief Executive, St Austell Brewery, said, “When we announced the coming together of St Austell Brewery and Bath Ales we committed to a long-term significant investment in the brands, pub estate, people and the brewing facilities.

“The creation of a new brewhouse will ensure we’re able to offer even more of what Bath Ales’ customers know and love. Alongside the appointment of Tim, we’re very much looking forward to being a part of Bath Ales’ next chapter and building on the legacy created by its founders.”

Once complete there will be a total brewing capacity of up to 50,000 brewers’ barrels which equates to more than 14.5 million pints. New bottling and canning facilities will also form part of future expansion plans.

The new-look brewery will be versatile and give Bath Ales the opportunity to create new beer styles in cask, keg and bottles. The plans include a lauter tun, which for the first time will give Bath Ales the capability to brew traditional continental style lagers alongside its much-loved range of premium ales.

Internationally-renowned Musk Engineering Ltd has been selected to build the new brewery at the existing headquarters in Warmley, between Bath and Bristol. The leading British company will be tasked with the fitting and installation of the new four-vessel brewhouse at the newly titled ‘Hare Brewery’.

Work on the Hare Brewery will get underway in September and it’s expected it will be complete by Spring 2018.

Brewing director Roger Ryman, who oversees production at Bath Ales and St Austell Brewery, said he is hugely excited about the year ahead and the future prospects at the new Hare Brewery.

“At both breweries, there’s a continued appreciation of only crafting the highest quality beers. Since we have come together I have been very impressed with the skills and capabilities of the Bath Ales brewing team. We will continue to give them the support and resources they need to succeed and deliver what they have the potential to do.”

Ryman added, “After a rigorous process, we’re delighted to have commissioned Musk to build the new brewery. We have an excellent working relationship with Musk’s engineering and design teams, having worked with them during the installation of a major upgrade of the facilities at our brewing home in St Austell. We know they will deliver on the vision we have for the new brewery.”