Lion Expands Production Capacity with New Brewhouse in South Australia

Lion officially opened the new brewhouse at its West End Brewery on Monday, complete with a newly restored copper kettle dating back to the early 1930s.

South Australian Premier, the Honourable Jay Weatherill, joined West End Brewery Director, Idris Jama, to unveil the $70 million dollar investment into one of South Australia’s most iconic landmarks.

The new upgrade will allow the brewery to produce approximately 120 million litres of beer every year and makes West End one of the most flexible and versatile breweries in the Lion group.

In addition to brewing South Australia’s favourite beer, West End Draught, the Brewery will also brew a wider range of Lion’s beers, such as Hahn and Toohey’s, as well as some great Irish beers, including Guinness and Kilkenny.

As the hub of Lion’s growing cider portfolio, the investment has also allowed West End Brewery to enhance its cider capability through the installation of a world-class cidery on site, where James Squire Orchard Crush, 5 Seeds and Kirin ciders are made for national distribution.

Jama said he was proud to officially unveil the new and improved Brewery to the South Australian community.

“West End Brewery has been part of the South Australian community since 1859 and this upgrade will ensure we can keep making the highest quality beer and ciders for many more years to come”, Jama said.

“The upgrade has taken around two years to complete and we are particularly proud of the beautifully restored copper kettle we have given pride of place in the window for passers-by to see. The kettle has been with the brewery since 1938 and although it’s not in use anymore, it is there to remind us of the years of brewing that came before us, the tradition of our craft, and most importantly our long standing relationship with the local community.”

Image: West End Brewery Director Idris Jama (left) and SA Premier Jay Weatherill (right)

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