In the last five years, Anheuser-Busch has allocated $2 billion to upgrade its facilities throughout the U.S., aiming to create and preserve jobs while boosting economic growth in the communities where it operates. Since being acquired by Belgium’s Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2008, a significant portion of this investment has been funneled into its primary brewery site in Soulard.
The company states that it has committed $165 million to the local brewery since 2019. Anheuser-Busch’s investments in St. Louis fall under three main areas: brewery improvements, technical skills development, and community support. Below is a detailed breakdown of these investments.
The brewery
Recently, Anheuser-Busch revealed plans for an additional investment of $8 million in the St. Louis brewery. According to a representative from A-B, these funds will be directed towards crucial capital improvement initiatives, which include upgrading equipment and reinforcing infrastructure.
“Our brewery in St. Louis is not just an operational site; it’s a cherished landmark for those of us who call this city home, and it represents our commitment as the flagship brewery of Anheuser-Busch,” commented Kyle Topping, A-B’s senior general manager. “These ongoing investments are essential for preserving our legacy for future generations while acknowledging the generosity of the community that has supported us all along.”
Professional development
In 2022, Anheuser-Busch invested $5 million to renovate and reopen the Technical Excellence Center on its St. Louis campus. The initiative aims to tackle the nationwide technical skills gap and equip brewery employees with access to new opportunities within the manufacturing sector.
The Technical Excellence Center includes 11 training laboratories and over 30 programs designed as a professional development pathway for employees in St. Louis. The educational offerings address various topics, including industry-specific technical skills, the brewing process, supply chain management, quality assurance, and more.
“Since its reopening, the Technical Excellence Center has supported 1,500 dedicated frontline employees from Anheuser-Busch facilities nationwide,” Topping stated. “Building on the positive outcomes of the St. Louis initiative, Anheuser-Busch is expanding the Technical Excellence Center’s curriculum to additional locations around the country, creating more avenues for employee growth and advancement.”
Community outreach
Additionally, A-B highlights its commitment to being an active participant in the broader St. Louis community. Earlier this year, the company contributed over $1 million to support skills training, entrepreneurship, higher education, and various other initiatives. Topping mentions that A-B collaborates with organizations such as Greater St. Louis, Inc. and United Way.
“For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has committed itself to uplifting our communities nationwide and the workforce behind our quality products,” Topping expressed. “Moreover, 99% of what we sell in the U.S. is produced domestically, further enhancing our economic impact on the nation.”
