The Little Creatures Brewery in Geelong is set to expand for the third time in five years in a move that will create 10 new jobs and also improve the site’s energy efficiency through the installation of a 651-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system.
The $11m investment project is assisted by a grant from the Victorian Government, a move welcomed by Little Creatures’ Head Brewer, Jody Thomas.
“This new solar array will produce about 25 per cent of the annual energy use at Little Creatures” Thomas said.
“Over the past few years, Little Creatures has become a much-loved Geelong institution, with a big focus on supporting the local region.
“As we continue to expand the brewery’s production and footprint, we are mindful of doing the right thing by the environment, and we are really proud to partner with the State Government to lower our carbon emissions and create some new employment opportunities at the same time.”
In addition to the new solar array, Little Creatures Geelong will establish a new multi-purpose, all-weather facility, which will support local tourism and support other small businesses by showcasing local producers.
Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula visited the brewery to announce the Victorian Government’s support and welcomed Lion’s commitment to the Geelong site.
“We’re proud to back this locally-operated manufacturing and hospitality business to be able to expand and create new jobs in Geelong, while investing in renewable energy to help make the business more sustainable,” he said.
“Little Creatures’ new indoor facilities will provide a great weatherproof space for markets and events, supporting other local businesses and helping to grow the number of visitors to the region.”
Little Creatures opened its Geelong operations in 2013, remodelling a woollen mill dating to 1923. The company has invested more than $60m in the Geelong site which supports an effective full-time workforce of 70.