Tue 25th Jul 2017 - BrewDog begins search for Australian brewery site with key hire BrewDog begins search for Australian brewery site with key hire: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog is one step closer to establishing its initial production facility in Australia, with its first recruitment under way as well as indications as to where it plans to establish an Australian brewing hub. BrewDog has appointed Zarah Prior with the mandate to identify potential locations for the company’s third brewery. Prior, an Australian native, previously worked in BrewDog’s Aberdeenshire headquarters between 2011 and 2016, contributing to marketing and business development. Initial searches have focused on the fast-developing Brisbane and Newcastle areas. In line with the business’ philosophy of local community partnership and engagement, a location that is actively promoting urban renewal or transformation is high on the criteria for BrewDog’s latest brewery hunt. BrewDog has reached out to its Australian shareholder community for contacts and advice, with the aim to identify a suitable council and navigate local planning and legislative hurdles. The craft beer business, which was launched by school friends James Watt and Martin Dickie in Scotland in 2007, recently opened its second brewery in Columbus, Ohio, and announced plans to expand into Australia at its AGM in April. Prior is also seeking contributions and proposals from Australian locals. Residents with ideas on where BrewDog should establish its Australian division should email zarah@brewdog.com with details on what makes their neighbourhood perfect for BrewDog’s craft beer business; any information on councils and locations looking for new investment; details about the environment that could have a positive impact on BrewDog’s launch plans; and specifics of greenfield sites that could be used to build a brewery and taproom. Prior said: “Our Australian Equity Punk community has been crying out for BrewDog to set up shop closer to home so we are excited to finally be making that happen. We’ve thrived on the loyalty our shareholders and peers have shown over the past ten years, and we can’t wait to deliver brewery-fresh beers to our Equity Punks and BrewDog fans in Australia! We are open to redeveloping an existing industrial site with a 2,000 to 4,000 square metre built-up facility or, alternatively, a plot of land able to comfortably accommodate a new-build of that size with expansion capabilities in the future. However, what is non-negotiable is finding the right community where BrewDog’s hardcore values and punk attitude will be fully embraced. Since BrewDog was born, we’ve been on a mission to make other people as passionate about amazing craft beer as we are. Now we’re bringing that ethos all the way across the other side of the planet, to Oz.”