Carlsberg Marston's Brewery faces a proposed shutdown next summer, with about 310 people affected. Carlsberg Britvic is also proposing to close the site’s primary logistics operation in Burton-upon-Trent, putting the brewery’s workforce and supply chain under immediate strain.
The company told colleagues and trade union partners earlier on Thursday that the plan would cover both operations at the Burton site. Paul Davies said the proposal was "by no means a reflection on any of our people, and every effort will be made to help them through this period of uncertainty".
310 jobs at Burton-upon-Trent
310 people are affected by the proposal, and Carlsberg Britvic has said the brewery and logistics operation are expected to keep running during the transition while it works through the detail of the consultation. That keeps production moving for now, but it also puts the decision-making process directly in front of employees who need clarity on roles, timing and next steps.
Carlsberg Britvic said Marston's Brewery’s history and legacy in Burton-upon-Trent were "iconic". The same company also said UK cask ale volumes have "stark reality" after falling to more than half their former level in less than a decade, and that the trend looks set to continue across the UK.
Burton's brewing legacy
Burton-upon-Trent’s brewing links date back to the 11th Century, when monks first started brewing there. At its height, more than 30 breweries once operated from Burton, a history that helps explain why the site’s possible closure lands far beyond one plant gate.
2010 also still hangs over the brand mix: David Cameron gave Barak Obama a crate of Hobgoblin at the G20 summit in Toronto. Hobgoblin, McEwan's and Brooklyn are expected to remain in Carlsberg Britvic’s portfolio, while smaller brands could be moved to specialist or local brewers.
Hobgoblin and the next move
Ash Corbett-Collins of CAMRA called the announcement "This announcement is an absolute disgrace, and the latest in a string of actions that show how little they care about our brewing heritage or the nation's drinkers." He also said the "time is right to think about alternative, independent, brewers who are willing to become custodians of Carlsberg's cask brands".
Paul Davies said key decisions would be shared with the industry over the coming months, but always with colleagues first. For workers, the immediate question is whether the brands now tied to Burton stay in the same place or move into a different brewing base as the consultation runs its course.
