Partner Article

Broon leaves the Toon (again)

Newcastle Brown Ale will no longer be brewed on Tyneside, its makers have announced.

Manufacture of the famous Geordie brand will switch to Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) said.

It wants to close the Federation Brewery, Dunston, Gateshead, with the loss of 63 jobs by the middle of next year, because of falling beer sales in the UK.

Production will now move nearly 90 miles down the A1, to the same brewery where John Smiths is produced.

Paul Hoffman, S&N operations director, said: “Clearly this is a sad day, but the proposal to close Dunston is not a decision we have taken lightly.

“Nor is it a reflection on the employees at the site who have done an excellent job over the last few years in a very challenging market.

“The Dunston site is currently running at around 60% capacity and our ability to consolidate beer production onto other sites presents a strong case for closure.

“We will, of course, do all we can to mitigate the effects of the closure on the people affected over the coming months.”

S&N said it carried out a detailed review of all its brewing sites and changes on other production sites, including Hereford, Tadcaster and Royal Brewery in Manchester were planned.

The region responds

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive, said: “Newcastle Brown Ale is a global icon for the town and the wider North East. Its fame stretches far and wide and it is a product that is part of the fabric of our region. There will be very many people that will be saddened to learn its production is leaving the banks of the River Tyne.

“Fans of the brew will be disappointed to learn of this change because the unique flavour flows from the rich heritage of this part of the world which is integral to its appeal. Likewise, the closure of the Federation Brewery will be mourned by all who recognise this landmark on Gateshead’s skyline.”

North East MEP Martin Callanan said: “This is a blow to Tyneside and the North East. My immediate concern is for those whose jobs and livelihoods may be at risk as a result of this decision. Newcastle Brown Ale put the local area and the region firmly on the international map.

“As a former S&N employee I know that this won’t have been an easy decision. The pub trade at large is suffering from stifling red tape and taxation which have no doubt been contributory factors in seeing Newcastle Brown Ale sold down the river.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .