First there was Deschutes – and now the 11th largest craft brewer in the U.S. is coming to the Greenfield Center in Botetourt County. San Diego-based Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits will build their east coast operations in the old Lawrence Transportation building – investing 48 million dollars and creating almost 200 jobs in the process.
State grants and local tax incentives helped make the difference. “I am thrilled to announce that Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits will join the Commonwealth’s world-class, award-winning roster of craft breweries,” Governor McAuliffe said on Tuesday. “Winning this significant project was a top priority, and we are proud that Botetourt County will be home to the company’s East Coast brewing operation.”
Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, said the organization called on the company more than a year ago as part of a campaign to attract craft brewers. “The company was able to move quickly because we matched them with an available building and all the infrastructure to help meet their requirements.”
“Our private sector partners at Lawrence Companies were critical to this recruitment, and I appreciate their role putting Botetourt County and Virginia in position to make this announcement today,” said Gary Larrowe, Botetourt County administrator.
Gene Maranno
