Molson Coors Announces Closure of Leinenkugel’s Chippewa Falls and Milwaukee Breweries

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (Civic Media) — Molson Coors is hopping out of Chippewa Falls. The company announced Wednesday it will close the historic Leinenkugel’s Brewery in Chippewa Falls, ending more than 150 years of brewing operations in the city. The 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee will also cease operations.

The closures, set for January 17, 2025, are part of a plan to centralize production at the company’s main site in Milwaukee. The Leinie Lodge and adjacent pilot brewery will remain open for visitors.

Molson Coors Chief Supply Chain Officer Brian Erhardt cited the end of a large contract brewing agreement and ongoing investments in Milwaukee as reasons for the closure. “While never easy, these choices are made with much thought and consideration,” Erhardt said.

The decision affects the brewery north of Duncan Creek, which currently produces about 25% of Leinenkugel’s beer. The remaining 75% is already brewed in Milwaukee.

Dick Leinenkugel, former company president, expressed sadness over the closure. “For over 157 years and six generations of family management, Leinenkugel’s has been brewing great beers for our legions of fans,” he said.

A filing with the state shows 90 workers will be impacted. The brewery employs around 120 people, including those working at the Leinie Lodge.

Leinenkugel’s, founded in 1867, was acquired by Miller Brewing in 1988 and later became part of Molson Coors.