Anheuser-Busch InBev, the entity behind iconic beer brands like Budweiser and Bud Light, has decided to cease operations at its Merrimack, New Hampshire plant, a fixture in the community for over five decades. According to NBC Boston, the Merrimack location set to close early next year has been contributing to the local economy for 54 years and currently secures jobs for approximately 125 workers. In addition to the Merrimack closure, the company is shutting down a plant in California and exiting one in New Jersey, impacting a total of 475 employees across all three sites.
In a reflection of the broader implications resulting from the shift, Merrimack’s town manager, Paul Micali, shared his concerns with WMUR, saying that when a business cornerstone of the community faces closure it hurts deeply. Micali anticipates this will affect not only the 124 jobs but also the tight-knit fabric of the town itself. The closures are part of Anheuser-Busch’s efforts to "update and modernize our U.S. manufacturing operations," as described in a statement to WMUR.
The brewery has offered a glimmer of hope for the workers at the doomed facilities, stating that full-time roles will be provided "elsewhere in our U.S. operations" for those willing to relocate, including stipends and training for their new assignments, as per WMUR. For those who opt not to take the transfer offer, severance packages and other resources will be at the ready. A company spokesperson provided reassurance in a statement to NBC Boston, assuring that "these changes will enable us to invest even more in our remaining operations and in our portfolio of growing, industry-leading brands."
While many workers expressed disappointment and uncertainty about their future in off-camera remarks to News 9, local officials are rallying to offer support during the transition. State Sen. Tim McGough expressed the sentiment, noting that after more than half a century, the loss of Anheuser-Busch as a significant employer and community contributor is a harsh blow. New Hampshire's Gov. Kelly Ayotte echoed these concerns, remarking in a statement to WMUR about her extreme disappointment and ensuring that agencies will cooperate to assist impacted employees. The Merrimack facility, known not only for its employment opportunities but also as a touristic draw, had previously seen an $11.3 million expansion announced in 2017 and the departure of its Budweiser Clydesdales training grounds in 2018.
