MP opens brewery’s extension and praises firm’s production values
Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith has opened the new warehouse extension of Pulborough brewery Hepworth & Company.
The business, in Stane Street, has extended its premises – which already included a purpose-built facility run by solar-power – with the 4,500sqft space.
The project has been ongoing since 2019.
The new space provides increased storage capacity to more than 1,000 pallets and enables the expansion of the company’s operations.
It also includes an automated mobile racking system which allows for larger deliveries, for example of its main ingredient Sussexgrown malt, and therefore reduce incoming road transport. The additional roof space will allow for a doubling of solar panels and a reduction in the firm’s carbon footprint.
The next stage of the brewery’s project is to produce enough energy from the brewery waste to power the site and progress to netzero emissions.
Mr Griffith cut the ribbon to formally open the new space on July 31 with supporters and Hepworth staff present.
Head brewer and founder Andy Hepworth said: “It is a moment of great pride to open the new warehouse, which we first thought about two years ago.
“The companies and the people involved in the build are all local.
“We are grateful to have our supportive MP Andrew Griffith cut the ribbon. The net-zero emissions for business is an initiative close to our hearts.”
Mr Griffith said: “Hepworth’s are leading the way to show how lower carbon beer can be produced.
“Andy is passionate about carbon-reduced production through innovation – from locally sourcing the hops and barley, using solar power, and running the world’s first beer-source heat pump.
“I congratulate everyone involved in delivering this project.”
Hepworth & Company creates craft and contemporary beers for on and off trade as well as white labelling services.
The extension was led by project leaders at Land Build and Hepworth’s architect, Philip Barnes.