Greene King new £40m brewery will 'futureproof' firm for generations

The Suffolk-based pub operator and brewer said it would be investing £40m into the development of a new custom-built state-of-the-art brewery as part of its sustainability goals.

Work is expected to be completed at the new site, also in Bury St Edmunds, by 2027 and operations will continue as normal at the existing Westgate brewery in the meantime.

Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie explained the investment demonstrated not only its “commitment to the future of British brewing” and its production of cask ales and new craft beer brands, but also to pubs.

He said: “Our brewery and beers are fundamental to Greene King and they are an important part of what customers love about our pubs, and this announcement illustrates our commitment to serving them for generations to come."

Ongoing commitment 

The CEO added brewing in Bury St Edmunds was a "core part of Greene King’s DNA".

He continued: “This investment represents a further and significant ongoing commitment to our brewing operations in a town which has such a rich and storied connection with our business and with brewing.

“As we seek to make our operations more sustainable, our new brewery will future proof our ability to brew our much-loved brands, as we create a thriving modern hospitality business.”

The brewer added the project was directly in line with its strategic driver of “optimising assets” as it seeks to deliver on its strategy to be a modern hospitality business.

It also said the new site will be located next to Greene King’s distribution centre and will “significantly improve the sustainability of the company’s brewing operations”.

Exciting opportunity 

Greene King estimated the improvements will see water usage during the brewing process reduced by more than 50%, alongside “significant improvements” in energy efficiency.

In addition, the firm said the development would drive progression towards its environmental targets, including the company’s aim to be carbon net zero by 2040, as well as reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

Greene King managing director brewing and brand Matt Starbuck said: “We have been brewing in Bury St Edmunds for over 200 years.

“We are passionate about our craft and the development of this state-of-the-art facility will allow us to maintain brewing at the core of our business going forwards.

“We are excited by the opportunity that this affords and the chance to invest in innovation and the development of our world-class beer portfolio.”