£1,000,000 Black Sheep investment will see Masham become 'centre for brewing excellence'

30/01/2024 • Press release

New owner’s continued investment cements its commitment to securing the future of brewery

Black Sheep Brewery is today announcing a £1m investment in its Masham site that will see it become the centre for brewing excellence in the region and beyond.

Work has already begun to transform the brewery’s production facilities, and the move underpins new owner the BREAL Group’s commitment to the iconic brand, and its ambitious plans to drive it forward.

The investment entails an entirely new tank farm and state of the art brewhouse at the Welgarth site, and the complete transformation of the capability and capacity at the Fearby road packaging facility, both locations situated at the brewery’s ancestral home in the beautiful town of Masham, North Yorkshire.

This significant investment will facilitate the increase capacity via the expansion of its cold storage, bottling, kegging, and racking facilities. It also secures the brewery for years to come, generating new employment for existing and future generations.

The move will support Black Sheep’s plans to continue expanding its customer base nationally, as well as developing exciting new products alongside its much-loved core range.

Mark Williams, CEO of Keystone Brewing Group, commented: “It’s an exciting time for Black Sheep Brewery, and we are very much looking forward to delivering our ambitious plans. The BREAL Group’s continued investment will allow us to take this fantastic brand to new heights while, ensuring our much-loved beers are available to the whole of the UK.

“We’re incredibly passionate about the brewing industry, which is going through some tough times, However, quality and authenticity will always rise to the top, and that’s why we’re committed to investing in Black Sheep, which is bucking the trend, and has a bright future ahead of it.”

Since BREAL Group’s acquisition of Black Sheep in May 2023, the brewery has taken many positive steps, including its first ever brewing collaboration with Leeds-based Piglove, the launch of its first craft ale, Side Quest, and the opportunity to work alongside and raise funds for rugby legend Rob Burrow MBE through the launch of Burrow’s Blonde – now the brewery’s fastest growing bottled beer.

Black Sheep Brewery remains committed to brewing the same, high quality Yorkshire beers, and is full of hope for what 2024 has in store.