Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery will spend $1.2 million to expand its cold storage and distribution warehouse to keep up with increasing production.
Another 6,874 square feet will be added to the warehouse, at 218 E. Keefe Ave. in Milwaukee. The project will be funded in part through a Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. loan.
As a result of the expansion, Lakefront will add 10 full-time and 20 part-time employees over the next two years.
Lakefront has rapidly increased production over the past two years, jumping 40 percent in 2012 and then 21 percent in 2013, to 40,496 barrels. It distributes its products in 35 states, Japan, Korea and Canada.
“The demand for craft beer shows no signs of slowing, and we need the additional warehouse space,” Klisch said. “It’s great that the city has been such a great partner and that the expansion can take place in the Harambee/Riverwest area, where we began this business and where jobs are needed.”
Craft Development LLC is consulting and MSI General is completing the design and construction work on the expansion. An official groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m.
Lakefront Brewery was founded in Riverwest in 1987 by brothers Russ and Jim Klisch. The brewery moved to its current location at 1872 N. Commerce St. in 1998, where it offers tours and a weekend fish fry and restaurant.
