Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits will invest $47.8 million to establish an East Coast brewing operation in Botetourt County.
“I am thrilled to announce that Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits will join the Commonwealth’s world-class, award-winning roster of craft breweries,”the governor said in a press release. “Winning this significant project was a top priority, and we are proud that Botetourt County will be home to the company’s East Coast brewing operation. Virginia has truly become a leader in the industry and a destination for craft beer lovers. Today is another milestone of our ongoing success in diversifying and building a new Virginia economy, and we look forward to Ballast Point thriving in the Commonwealth.”
“This project is great news for the growing tourism, manufacturing and craft beverage sectors in the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said in the press release. “Ballast Point’s decision to locate its East Coast operation in Virginia is a strong testament to our great talent, strategic location and superior business climate. Additionally, the company will benefit from our outstanding workforce training programs. Congratulations to Botetourt County and Ballast Point. We look forward to a long, prosperous partnership.”
Ballast Point began selling beer in 1996, brewing in the back of a San Diego homebrew shop.
Last November, Constellation Brands acquired the company for approximately $1 billion. Ballast Point is one of the fastest growing craft beer companies in the U.S., its best sellers being Sculpin IPA and Grapefruit Sculpin IPA. At that time, it was announced Ballast Point will continue to operate as a stand-alone company with its existing management team and employees running the day-to-day operations.