Business & Tech
AB/Inbev To Close Merrimack Plant, Impacting 125 Jobs
The company will offer jobs at other locations to those affected. They were told the 1970 plant will close in mid-February.
MERRIMACK, NH — Anheuser-Busch InBev is closing its Merrimack brewery employing about 125 full-time employees in the next two months, officials said Thursday.
The company will offer jobs at other locations to those affected. They were told the 1970 plant will close in mid-February.
Find out what's happening in Merrimackfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Town officials were told of the decision Thursday but the town manager was not immediately available for comment.
Severance packages will be offered to those who decide not to move to another location. They have been operating just one shift at the brewery for some time.
Find out what's happening in Merrimackfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The company is also closing another brewery in Fairfield, California and selling another in Newark, N.J. with remaining facilities in the United States. The US Headquarters are in St. Louis, Missouri.
Workers were told that the footprint being used today is outdated and too large. Another consideration has been that there has been a reduction in alcohol consumption across the country.
The NH Department of Employment Security has been notified as part of the WARN Act. InBev bought Anheuser-Busch on July 13, 2008, forming a new company named Anheuser-Busch InBev which made it the largest brewery by the time the deal was completed in 2009. They are the makers of Budweiser and Michelob.
In all there are 475 employees around the country impacted by the various closures.
The Newark facility is being sold to the Goodman Group.
State Sen. Tim McGough (R-Merrimack) released the following statement upon the announcement of the closing of the Anheuser-Busch Plant in Merrimack: "Anheuser-Busch has been a long-time supporter of Merrimack, contributing to local schools, charities, and civic organizations. It has been a driving force behind our economy providing jobs and supporting vital community projects. Its commitment has fostered strong ties with our town, and many of the 120 affected employees have been with the company for years, making this decision especially difficult during the holiday season.
"I am hopeful that many of them will have the opportunity to explore new roles within the company’s U.S. operations. While the transition won’t take place until early 2026, the State of New Hampshire will ensure that those impacted are provided with the support and opportunities they need," McGough said.
Senate President Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) released the following statement on the closing of the Anheuser-Busch Plant:
"I'm truly saddened by the news of the plant closure and the loss of nearly 120 jobs. My prayers are with the employees affected by this difficult decision during the holiday season. The State of New Hampshire will provide the necessary resources and support to help them navigate this challenging transition.
The Merrimack facility has been a cornerstone of our state’s manufacturing community for a long time, providing products that Granite Staters have enjoyed. During this time, it has played a vital role in our local economy, not only through job creation and tax revenue but also through its contributions to community outreach and charitable efforts. I want to thank them for making New Hampshire their home.”
This article first appeared on InDepthNH.org and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
