The last beers have been produced at Launceston’s James Boag Brewery, bringing an end to 145 years of production at the site.
Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, chief executive and managing director of parent company Lion, said today was “an incredibly significant and emotional moment”.
“For generations, the brewery has been part of the fabric of Launceston and Tasmania, producing beers enjoyed by Australians across the country,” she said.
“That legacy has been built by the extraordinary people who have worked here, past and present and their skill, passion and commitment deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
Sahasrabuddhe said the decision to close the brewery had been “one of the most difficult we have had to make”.
“We know the impact this has had on our team members, their families and the broader community and we remain deeply sorry,” she said.
The June announcement drew strong criticism.
Hospitality Tasmania chief executive Steve Old called the closure “a massive blow”.
“It’s pretty devastating when an iconic brand like this leaves Tassie shores,” Old said at the time.
Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood described it as “a black day” for the city, while independent MP David O’Byrne, who spent 15 years working for the brewery workers’ union, called the decision “an absolute disgrace”.
The company said the end of production at the site did not mean the end of the James Boag’s brand.
“We remain committed to the brand, to Tasmania and to preserving the stories, people and heritage that have made this brewery so special,” Sahasrabuddhe said.
“Above all, today is about recognising and thanking our people. They should be immensely proud of the legacy they leave behind and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have contributed to James Boag’s over the years.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who flew to Japan for talks with Lion in an attempt to save local production, said the brewery “helped put Launceston on the map” and was “part of the fabric of Tasmania”.
“Thinking of those workers and their families on what would be a tough day today,” he said.
When Lion announced the closure, it said 42 full-time brewery workers would be affected and production would move to its mainland network in Queensland and New South Wales.
At the time, Sahasrabuddhe said the brewery was operating at less than a fifth of its capacity.
