One of the region's most acclaimed manufacturers, Pacific Western Brewery (PWB), announced this weekend that they will pour $1 million into renovations at their Prince George headquarters.
The renovations and upgrades will refresh the building's exterior, create a renewed hospitality
area, and includes the purchase and installation of new brewing and packaging equipment.
"I am very proud of the ongoing consistent quality of our beer and the passion and loyalty of
our team," said Kazuko Komatsu, President and CEO of the beer company. "British Columbians have been very enthusiastic about our beers and we would also like to thank all our customers and partners for their support and loyalty which has enabled us to make this significant re-investment."
The renovations were started earlier this month and are due to be complete in spring, with the other improvements scheduled for completion within a year.
"The interior upgrades will incorporate local pine beetle wood to demonstrate support for the
region's forest industry and to supplement the brewery's ongoing reforestation commitment," said Komatsu. "[We] will source services and equipment from local suppliers wherever
possible."
The upgrades coincide with the 20th anniversary of Komatsu's ownership of the storied brewery. It was launched as Caribou Brewing in 1957 by the late Ben Ginter, one of Prince George's most colourful characters in its modern history.
It has gone on to be one of the city's most successful manufacturing companies outside of the forest industry, with export inroads to China and Russia among other international markets. Today it employs 60 local people during peak seasons, and also has facilities in the Lower Mainland.
According to a PWB statement, the company stands as "Western Canada's largest and longest established independent, Canadian-owned brewery." Among its accomplishments are...
* 2005 - First Canadian Gold Medal Winner, Industry International Awards in Munich
* 2003 - First ISO 9001 Certified Brewery in North America
* 1997 - First Certified Organic Lager Beer in Canada
* 1996 - First North American Brewery Certified to ISO 9002
* 1996 - First Lager and Lime Beer
* 1995 - First Malted Herb Beer
* 1993 - First Ice Beer in Canada
* 1988 - First Dry Beer in Canada
* 1983 - First Brewery Operated Beer Store in BC
* 1982 - First Dark Mild Beer in Canada
* 1969 - First Malt Liquor in Canada
* 1965 - First Canned Beer in BC
The brewery is, according to written statements, planning a number of events and initiatives to celebrate Komatsu's ownership milestone, including their ongoing reforestation commitment (planting a minimum of 150,000 trees over three years), a water program to be introduced this spring, the grand opening of the renovated brewery, customer appreciation events "and a few other surprises brewing" for 2011.
