Brick Brewing pours $9.6M into project

Taproom to open alongside retail store, small-batch brewhouse

KITCHENER— A tasting room, small-batch brewhouse and a larger retail store are all on tap as Brick Brewing launches a $9.6-million expansion.

The Kitchener-based company announced the plans Monday for its Bingemans Centre Drive operation. The project will include a 65,000-squarefoot expansion of its warehouse and production facilities and new equipment that’s expected to boost capacity and operating efficiency.

It’s the latest in a series of significant projects at the site representing a total investment of nearly $30 million in the past five years, said chief operating officer Russell Tabata.

The new taproom and small batch brewhouse, as well as the expanded retail outlet, will highlight the company’s Water- loo premium craft beers. While its low-cost Laker series is Brick’s biggest seller, the company uses the Waterloo Brewing trade name and really defines itself as a craft brewer; Brick became Ontario’s first craft brewery when it began production in Waterloo in 1984.

“The beer connoisseur is really looking for interesting and distinctive beer and beverages,” he said. “Most of the growth in the beer industry is not coming from either mainstream or value (brands).”

The taproom will have capacity for between 60 and 80 people. The new brewhouse will showcase innovation and the company’s talents, with the opportunity for a frequently changing beverage lineup.

The expansion on the production and warehouse side is aimed at attracting new business, Tabata said.

Along with its own brands, Brick also produces beer, coolers and ciders under contract for other companies.

Brick, which leases its Kitche- ner facilities, said $6.4 million of the $9.6 million has been secured from the property owner. Tabata said much of the budget will be spent with local contractors.

The company hopes to have the new retail store open by midsummer, and the taproom by Labour Day, Tabata said. The entire project should be finished by next October. Although staffing varies seasonally, the company usually averages between 130 and 140 employees.