Liberals help Muskoka Brewery with $5M expansion
BRACEBRIDGE — Muskoka Brewery is praising the provincial Liberals for tax changes and a government grant that will let them expand and enhance their beer-making experience at their location at the south end of town.
The recent re-location and opening of the Re-Store in part of the old Zeller’s building has freed up space at its former location for $5 million investment by Muskoka Brewery to expand.
Mayor Graydon Smith said in a release today that the town welcomed the new “cutting edge technology and equipment” and the expansion and enhancement of its retail and taproom experience.
Muskoka Brewery’s announcement Tuesday follows proposed changes to the Small Beer Manufacturer’s Tax Credit which, when passed by the government of Ontario, will positively impact all Ontario craft breweries empowering them to grow their operations, create even more jobs and expand into new markets – both domestically and internationally, the release said.
Todd Lewin, president of Muskoka Brewery says: “This renewed tax credit, as well as a substantial grant from the Ministry of Economic Development, gives us the opportunity to invest in our growth and expansion. As a pioneer in the craft brewing industry, we know there are significant hurdles to reaching profitability. This improved tax credit will remove major barriers to growth and help small breweries across the province overcome these significant hurdles.”
Smith was ecstatic about announcement.
“Muskoka Brewery has been an amazing success story for our community. They’ve grown from a small startup back in 1996 to become one of our largest five private sector employers.”
Muskoka Brewery employs approximately 130 people and continues to be at the forefront of the craft brewing industry.
“Today’s announcement is very welcome news. It will allow the brewery to continue to innovate its products and processes, grow its business, as well as continue to be a first class destination for locals, cottagers and visitors to our region.”
