Wisconsin’s New Glarus Brewing to Build $55 Million Expansion

Wisconsin brewer New Glarus Brewing Co. plans to break ground on a $55 million addition at its New Glarus, Wis., headquarters, according to several local news reports.

The company — which brews beers such as Spotted Cow that are only sold within Wisconsin and sought after by tourists (and Illinois residents, in many cases) who visit the state — will add 65,000 sq. ft. of space to its Hilltop Facility. The expansion will include brewing, distilling, offices and retail space, as well as a beer depot, the local news reports said, citing documents submitted to the local government.

New Glarus Brewing noted that the popularity of its beers and brewery tours is the catalyst for the expansion: “We receive thousands of visitors, but our current paved visitor parking holds 53 stalls. This has created congestion on our site and has forced us to be closed on the weekends,” the company said. An expansion for parking at the bottom of the hill where the facility is located is part of the plan, as are sustainability initiatives such as grass roofs and a geothermal field.

A groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place Oct. 29, 2024, on the expansion.