Monday February 8, 2016: Lion today announced it intends to move around 20 million litres of annual brewing volume from the Boag’s Brewery to facilities on the mainland to improve the efficiency of its brewery network. The change will not affect any Boag’s beers, which will all continue to be brewed in Launceston.

While the Boag’s Brewery was traditionally focused on Boag’s beers, since Lion acquired the business in 2007 various national brands have been produced in Launceston for export to the mainland.

James Brindley, Managing Director Lion Beer, Spirits & Wine Australia said: “This change will essentially return the Boag’s Brewery to its traditional focus on the Boag’s portfolio of Tasmanian beers, which is still a very substantial 36 million litres.

“We have capacity in our national network and the Boag’s Brewery in its current format is also under- utilised. This change will allow us to reconfigure the Boag’s Brewery to a size more appropriate for the Boag’s portfolio, significantly improving efficiency.”

The intended change will result in approximately 39 roles being made redundant, with additional impacts to contractor roles.

“This is not something we have taken lightly and is no reflection on the dedication and capability of our people at the Boag’s Brewery or the importance of the Tasmanian market to our business. We recognise the impact this will have on our people and we will be providing them with comprehensive support to help them manage this transition,” Mr Brindley said.

The transition is expected to be completed by the end of September 2016; however the exact timing and process will be confirmed following further consultation with Lion’s people.

Lion will continue to source the same high quality malt, yeast and Tasmanian Super Pride hops used to craft Boag’s beers from local suppliers. The Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers will continue to operate, providing visitors from near and far opportunities to learn about Boag’s and experience a working brewery.