Molson Coors will close Leinenkugel's breweries in Milwaukee and Chippewa Falls

Molson Coors plans to close not only Leinenkugel's 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee, but also the brewery in Chippewa Falls where the company was founded more than 150 years ago.

Operations at both facilities will cease effective January 17 and all production from these facilities will move to Valley Brewery in Milwaukee.

The announcement comes several months after Molson Coors sold four of its Tenth & Blake “craft” brands. New York-based Tilray Brands acquired Hop Valley, Terrapin, Revolver and Atwater from Molson Coors' Tenth & Blake division.

No changes are expected to the J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard at American Family Field.

“Following the end of a large contract brewing contract and in the midst of an ongoing canning line capital project at our Milwaukee brewery, we have made the decision to close two of our smaller breweries in Wisconsin and centralize nationwide production at our headquarters in Milwaukee. ” Molson Coors Chief Supply Chain Officer Brian Erhardt said in a statement released Wednesday.

“Although never easy, these decisions are made with great care and consideration to position Molson Coors for continued success in Wisconsin and beyond.

“Since Leinenkugel's joined Miller Brewing in 1988, the brand and Chippewa Falls have been a valued part of our company and culture. That won't change. Leinie's Summer Shandy and the rest of the portfolio will continue to play a role in our premiumization plans.

According to Erhardt, the Leinie Lodge tasting room and store in Chippewa Falls, as well as the adjacent pilot brewery, remain open year-round.

“I am deeply saddened by the Molson Coors leadership team’s decision to close our brewery and home in Chippewa Falls,” Dick Leinenkugel, former president of Leinenkugel, told WTMJ News.

“For over 157 years and six generations of family ownership, Leinenkugel’s has been brewing great beers for our legions of fans across Wisconsin and the country.”

The 10th Street Brewery, 1515 N. 10th St., was built in 1986 by G. Heileman of La Crosse and closed a few years later. It was purchased by Miller in 1995 for Leinenkugel's production.

Chippewa Falls Brewery has been home to Leinenkugel's since its founding in 1867.

Miller Brewery in Milwaukee currently produces 75 percent of Leinenkugel's production, Erhardt said.

“We made the decision to close Tenth Street in Milwaukee in light of the sale of Tenth & Blake Breweries as production at the facility included 19.2-ounce cans of those brands,” he said in the statement.

“We will shift production of 19.2-ounce cans of Blue Moon and other continuing brands to Milwaukee Brewery, made possible by an investment in a canning line at this facility.”