Economic Development

Beer brewing to resume in OTR

The Enquirer

Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. plans to expand brewing operations to Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine Brewery District, the company said Friday.

The site will be the former Husman Potato Chip plant at 1621 Moore St., just north of Liberty and east of Vine.

Greg Hardman, CEO of Christian Moerlein, said he plans to initially move office operations there from Middletown. Then he plans to phase in beer production over two years for some of its specialty beers and from the expected growth of its brands. Brewing operations are scheduled to begin in 2011, Hardman said.

The company has entered into a lease agreement with an option buy for the 125,000-square-foot facility. The historical significance of Over-the-Rhine and the site were also considerations in selecting the location, Hardman said.

It’s located in what is being marketed as the Over-the-Rhine Brewery district, former homes to dozens of breweries in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The site was the malt and lager house of the former Kaufman Brewing Co. from 1869 through 1919.

Initial plans call for minor renovations of offices and general clean up of the facility so the company can relocate its corporate offices. Hardman expects to employ up to 25 at this location in 2011.

Hardman bought the Christian Moerlein brand in 2004 and has made it the centerpiece of purchasing a collection of Cincinnati beer brands that had been bought by out-of-town owners. The brands include Hudepohl, Schoenling and Burger.

Read the Cincinnati.com article here.