Boon for northern brewer

Boag's Launceston brewery will undergo a $12 million upgrade.

A northern Tasmanian brewery will take over the production of brews including XXXX, Hahn and Tooheys when Western Australia's Swan Brewery closes next March.

James Boag and Sons in Launceston will undergo a $12 million upgrade by parent company Lion.

Boags' Brewery Operations Manager Gary Faulkner says the brewing and packing areas will expand and more workers will be hired, particularly in packing.

"We'll be upgrading further developments in our packaging utilities and our brewing areas and that pretty much builds on the $55 million we've probably invested since 2008," he said.

"So it really puts us onto a world-class manufacturing platform.

"We'll endeavour by October next year, just in time for our summer peak period, we'll have all our works in place and be brewing all those brands, all those iconic brands."

South Australia's West End Brewery will get $70 million to take over keg production.

Source: ABC News, 18 October 2012