Molson Coors Shuts Down 150-Year-Old Wisconsin Brewery

A Midwest staple is shutting its doors for good. With that news, one of the largest beer companies in the world will be losing approximately a hundred employees.

Molson Coors officials announced that its subsidiary, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. will close up two of their Wisconsin facilities.

These closures are for the 10th Street brewery in Milwaukee and the main beer production plant in Chippewa Falls.

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More Than 150 Years In Business

The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls has been in operation since 1857 and employs approximately 120 workers. On January 17th, 2025 this historic brewery will close its doors for good.

This location also 185,000 barrels of beer per year.

The former President of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company Dick Leinenkugel released a statement to a Wisconsin media outlet saying;

"I am deeply saddened by the decision of the Molson Coors leadership team to close our Chippewa Falls brewery and home. For over 157 years and six generations of family management, Leinenkugel’s has been brewing great beers for our legions of fans throughout Wisconsin and across the country."

Why Are They Shutting Down These Breweries?

KM/Canva

The reason for the closures is a bit complicated.

According to a recent report, this closure is coming right as a large contract brewing agreement is reached and a continued canning line investment project.

In a report from Yahoo Finance, the company's third quarter earnings report saw a 7.8% decline in net sales.

Molson Coors officials are putting the blame of these closures on the “macroeconomic environment along with anticipated unfavorable shipment timing and the wind down of a contract brewing agreement.”