The future of Waterloo’s nearly 120-year-old malthouse is currently uncertain as Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. announced Jan. 12 that it would be closing the Waterloo facility, located at 901 W. Madison St.
According to a release from the company, the decision to close the local production facility is part of the expansion of its Manitowoc location.
“The Manitowoc facility has the infrastructure and capacity to meet our customers’ needs now and into the future. What’s more, easy access through multiple modes of transportation makes Manitowoc the perfect logistical location to reach our customers.”
“I’m saddened anytime a local business closes and in our small community it’s going to be an impact to all of us,” said Mayor Jeni Quimby, who noted 15 people are employed at the Waterloo location.
Quimby will be meeting with Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. President and COO Ryan O’Toole this week and she anticipates part of the conversation will be about the future of the malthouse.
“It’s a landmark of Waterloo, you see the silos when you drive in,” Quimby said. “I’d hate to see it go, but what are you going to do with it?”
The City of Waterloo plans to work with Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium to assist those impacted by the closure.
“We’re always working with them and ThriveED (Thrive Economic Development) every time we have a potential prospect of a company coming in, or, in this case, leaving,” Quimby
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