CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The P.E.I. Brewing Company plans to renovate and expand its Charlottetown operations to the tune of more than $1.25 million.
The federal and provincial governments announced financing contributions Thursday to help the brewery increase its craft beer production capacity.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is providing a $500,000 repayable contribution to to help the company renovate its existing facility and purchase new brewing equipment to improve production efficiencies, while the P.E.I. government is providing $754,132 in repayable financing to assist with the expansion.
“The craft beer industry is all about consistency and innovation. Consistency in production and innovation in style are vital elements in our day-to-day operations,” said P.E.I. Brewing Company president Jeff Squires. “… We have expanded our production and added two new 15,000-litre tanks to our brewery helping us become a prominent export product from Prince Edward Island.
The project will add almost 1,000 square feet to the company’s production facility for storage and fermentation processes to enable the company to manage production of its brands during peak seasons, while also exploring new Canadian markets and export opportunities.
It will also result in three new jobs being created.
The company was established in 2012, building on the existing Gahan House microbrewery, which began in 1997.
It brews and distributes a line of 12 craft beers, including seasonals, as well as the first canned craft beer in Atlantic Canada: Beach Chair Lager.
P.E.I. Brewing Company currently employs 32 people and distributes its products to New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta and is exploring export opportunities outside of Canada.
The facility also offers an event and performance space.
