Sleeman brings brewing back from US, new jobs in Guelph

Sleeman Breweries Ltd., will be using some provincial cash to brewmore beer at its home basein Guelph, Ont., according to the founder and chairman of the company.

"Our company's history in Ontario dates back to 1834 and we have always been proud to offer premium quality products to our customers," said JohnSleeman, founder and chairman of the brewery.

On Monday the government of Ontario announced it will be investing $422,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development fund to help thebrewery's $7 million dollar project to re-vamp their production, which was announced on the same day.

"This funding will support our capacity to create jobs as well as drive exports and innovation on our brands to ensure continued growth and a vibrant, sustainable future for years to come," said Sleeman.

Sleeman'snew $7 million project, also announced Monday, will include new beer tanks and equipment upgrades, and will expand the company's packaging capabilities.

Beer back in Guelph

The project will bring more brewing back from the U.S into Guelph, and will also allow Sleeman to launch new 710-millilitre cans of beer.

The government said itsinvestment will support over 425 jobs in Guelph retaining 412 existing jobs and creating 15 new ones. The expansion project is expected to be completed by December 2020.

Sleeman, owned by Sapporo Holdings Ltd. of Japan, is the third-largest brewing company in Canada. Besides its core brands, it offers regional brands that include Okanagan Spring in British Columbia and Unibroue in Quebec as well as Old Milwaukee and Pabst Blue Ribbon. The company markets or distributes imported products such as Guinness, Sol, Dos Equis and Tecate.