Anheuser-Busch, the country’s largest brewer and a leading American manufacturer, announced Feb. 4 it is planning to invest more than $1 billion in its facilities over the next two years to drive economic prosperity in communities across the U.S., further fortify its operations, and strengthen its connections with consumers. The commitment comes at a time when the country begins looking forward to recovering from the job losses and economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This past year has required that we all adapt in unexpected and challenging ways, but our connection and commitment to supporting our people, communities and partners remains unchanged,” said Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. “Right now, our big dream is the recovery of our country. It’s the reopening of our neighborhood restaurants and bars, it’s cheering on our favorite teams and gathering together in person. We are here to find a better way to lead a safe and strong recovery, and we’re starting by investing across our U.S. supply chain to protect the industry and the millions of people who rely on it for their livelihoods. These investments are immediate and happening now.”

This capital expenditure program across 26 states will expand Anheuser-Busch’s U.S. operations, support ongoing industry job creation and retention, stimulate economies in communities across the country, and enable sustainable innovations.

In 2021, close to $400 million will go to Anheuser-Busch’s 12 major breweries, including the one in Baldwinsville. Major projects in 2021 will include: 

• More than $50 million for new seltzer brewing capabilities 
• More than $100 million for new can lines 
• Investments in more than 20 states, highlighted by Georgia, California, Missouri and New York
• Nearly $100 million planned towards sustainability projects including solar panel installments, water treatment, and other initiatives over the next two years.

“We plan to share more market specifics as projects get underway,” Kaitlin Craig, director of corporate communications for Anheuser-Busch, wrote in an email to the Messenger.

Anheuser-Busch owns and operates more than 120 facilities across 27 states and employs more than 19,000 hardworking people. The beer industry in the U.S. creates more than 2.1 million jobs and generates more than $328 billion in economic activity each year. The pandemic put a strain on every business and every industry, and the manufacturing sector is no different.

“Anheuser-Busch’s bold, historic investment in manufacturing and American jobs will drive economic growth and create promising new opportunities. It is yet another example of manufacturers keeping our promises in recent years to invest in our people and our communities,” said Jay Timmons, CEO, National Association of Manufacturers. “This investment will help American families, put people back to work, strengthen communities and support our economic recovery — while also advancing critical sustainability goals. Anheuser-Busch, in the tradition of the greatest manufacturers in America, is dedicated to building our country’s future, and the NAM is grateful for their continued partnership and extraordinary leadership.”

The recent announcement represents the next phase in a period of extensive, ongoing investment by Anheuser-Busch, which totals almost $6 billion over the last decade.

Anheuser-Busch is also supporting the recovery of the bar and restaurant community that is the heart and soul of our communities and a critical part of the nation’s economy.

To lift up bars and restaurants impacted by COVID-19, Anheuser-Busch donated over $2 million in partnership with the U.S. Bartenders Guild, the James Beard Foundation and others to support the bar and restaurant industry that has been so devastated. The brewer also joined the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Revival Campaign as the exclusive beer partner to support safe and successful re-openings across the country, and through Stella Artois, committed $2.25 million to the ServSafe Dining Commitment.

In April 2020, Anheuser-Busch began leveraging its unique production capabilities to produce hand sanitizer at its Baldwinsville and Los Angeles breweries. Leveraging its wholesaler network and collective logistics expertise, the brewer donated more than 500,000 bottles to support critical relief efforts across 20 states and Washington, D.C. Ahead of the November election, Anheuser-Busch also donated more than 8 million ounces of hand sanitizer to polling sites across the country to help ensure the safety of voters and election workers.

“We are committed to protecting people’s livelihoods across our entire supply chain — from farmers and bartenders to truck drivers and team members in our own facilities,” said Dave Taylor, U.S. Chief Supply Officer at Anheuser-Busch. “As the only brewer and alcohol manufacturer that can make an impact of this magnitude, we take this responsibility seriously. We know that when our communities get stronger, our country gets stronger, and that’s a step towards recovery. By investing in these communities and their capabilities, we’re ensuring that together, with all of our partners, we can brew and deliver great beer for many years to come.”

Most recently, Budweiser, one of Anheuser-Busch’s flagship brands, decided to forgo its in-game Super Bowl airtime and reallocate its advertising dollars to help support vaccine awareness and education in partnership with the Ad Council through various marketing efforts throughout the year.