The new brewery will create 178 jobs.
Headquarted in San Diego, Ballast Point is the #11 craft brewer in the US (based on 2015 beer sales volume, according to rankings from the Brewers Association).
Constellation Brands made headlines last year when it bought Ballast Point for $1bn. Last month CFO David Klein said that expansion of Ballast Point’s West Coast brewery and a new facility on the East Coast were being planned, as well as increased distribution nationally.
Virginia: Growing craft beer scene
The new East Coast brewery has been welcomed by Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe, who announced the plans this week.
Retail sales of craft beer in Virginia increased by almost 19% between 2014 and 2015.
Ballast Point was founded in 1996 as a back room brewery behind founder Jack White’s home brewing shop. Its beers are now distributed globally and in nearly all US states.
“We are fortunate that there is a growing appreciation for our beer across the country and the world,” said White. “Opening a brewery location in Virginia will better allow us to get fresh, great quality beer in the hands of our customers.”
“We look forward to getting to know the Botetourt County community as we build our brewery there.”