DB keeps most Monteith's jobs

By Phil Boeyen, ShareChat Business News Editor

Wednesday 16th May 2001

DB Breweries (NZSE: DBG) says a new structure for producing Monteith's beer will see ten of the original 15 full-time positions on the West Coast retained.

The remaining five staff have been offered redundancy or positions at the company's Waitemata brewery in Auckland.

Under the new structure the production of tap and packaged Monteith's beer will be shared between Monteith's Brewing Company on the West Coast and Waitemata Brewery.

"The future production split will be determined by ongoing market demand, brand growth, export opportunities and production scheduling, however both breweries will produce all five main Monteith's beer styles," the company says in a statement.

DB suffered a huge consumer backlash earlier in the year when it announced plans to close its West Coast plant and move Monteith's production to Auckland.

However it backed down in the face of local and nationwide boycotts.

DB managing director, Brian Blake, says while the new structure is not the best financial outcome for DB Breweries, it represents a solid platform on which the brewery can continue operating, employing staff and contribute to both the Monteith's brand and the West Coast economy.

Grey District Mayor, Kevin Brown, says he is looking forward to working with DB to identify additional opportunities for the brewery site which could drive tourism to the West Coast and ultimately provide further jobs.

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