Anheuser-Busch invests $1bn in US facilities
The company says the commitment comes at a time when the country begins to look forward to recovering from the job losses and economic downturn from the pandemic.
Anheuser-Busch - whose brands include Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois - operates more than 120 facilities across 27 states and employs more than 19,000 people. The beer industry in the US creates more than 2.1 million jobs and generates more than $328bn in economic activity each year: but like most sectors has felt the strain of the pandemic.
This capital expenditure program will cover 26 states will expand Anheuser-Busch's US operations, support ongoing industry job creation and retention, stimulate economies in communities across the country, and enable sustainable innovations.
Nearly $100m will go towards sustainability projects including solar panel installments, water treatment and other similar initiatives over the next two years.
The past year has required businesses and individuals to adapt in unexpected and challenging ways, said Michel Doukeris, CEO, Anheuser-Busch. "Right now, our big dream is the recovery of our country," he said.
"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 US 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."
Anheuser-Busch has invested almost $6bn in the US over the last decade. “We proudly support the US agricultural community, sourcing the majority of our ingredients from more than 900 American farms,” says the company. “Our products are made with 100% US corn and rice, and 98% US barley. 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.”
