A Milwaukee brewing equipment manufacturer plans to construct a $9 million, 73,000-square-foot facility on the city's north side.
A Milwaukee brewing equipment manufacturer plans to construct a $9 million, 73,000-square-foot facility on the city's north side.
Spike Brewing plans to develop the manufacturing plant on a city-owned vacant lot, at 4132 N. Holton St.
The company is now located nearby, in a 22,000-square-foot facility at 3866 N. Fratney St.
The company will retain its 25 employees and plans to hire another 20 people with the expansion, according to a Wednesday announcement from the Department of City Development.
The expansion will allow the company to implement three new production lines, and will include temporary rental space for another business. Spike Brewing plans to eventually occupy the full building as its business grows.
Spike Brewing was founded in 2011 by Ben Caya, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alumnus.
It sells brewing equipment products throughout the United States and Canada. Its products include brewing kettles, fermenters, brew systems, brewing pumps, electrical panels and beer chilling devices.
“After winning the Reader’s Choice Homebrew Brand of the Year Award in 2021, it only seems fitting that we move into a new, state-of-the-art production facility,” Caya said.
The company's growth has been driven by both the craft beer explosion as well as increased interest in home brewing.
Spike Brewing’s goal is for the building to be 100% solar powered. The facility also will include a test brewery, where Spike will teach about brewing beer at home.
Spike Brewing is to buy the 4-acre lot from the city Redevelopment Authority for $1. That land sale will need authority and Common Council approval.
The city worked with the site's previous owners, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean up contamination at the property near the Milwaukee River.
The project's financing will include federal New Market Tax Credits and a Redevelopment Authority loan.
“Milwaukee boasts a rich history in manufacturing and beer making. Spike Brewing’s new facility will be an excellent addition to the community that will add value to the neighborhood,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
“With strong partners like Spike Brewing, we are building a manufacturing future here with good companies, modern facilities, and jobs for great Milwaukee workers," Johnson said, in statement.
“I’m thrilled Spike Brewing is investing in the 6th District and creating new jobs in the neighborhood,” said Ald. Milele A. Coggs.
“This is an exciting development that is respecting iconic Milwaukee industries, growing our local economy, and providing new opportunities for residents and families," Coggs said, in a statement.
Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Spike Brewing to construct $9 million plant on Milwaukee's north side
