56 workers to lose jobs when Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls closes in January

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) – In the upcoming closure of the Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls, 56 workers will be left without a job.

They were a part of the 157 year history in the Chippewa Valley, but that era is coming to an end soon.

“It hasn’t been the same as it was when the Leinenkugels were there,” said Mayor Greg Hoffman.

Dick Leinenkugel wrote the following statement to WEAU:

“I am deeply saddened by the decision of the Molson Coors leadership team to close our Chippewa Falls brewery and home. For over 157 years and six generations of family management, Leinenkugel’s has been brewing great beers for our legions of fans throughout Wisconsin and across the country.

I feel for all impacted employees and their families in Chippewa Falls and trust that the Molson Coors leadership will do everything possible to ease their pain during this challenging time.

I know the Molson Coors leaders don’t take these decisions lightly. It’s clear to me that they determined that the savings resulting from the closure were significant enough to justify this difficult decision.

None of our family members were aware or counseled ahead of the decision. It’s a sad day for our family and our fans.  In 2017, we came together in Chippewa Falls to celebrate our brewery’s 150th anniversary. It was the defining moment of my career in beer. Alongside my brothers, Jake and John, and members of our fourth, fifth, and sixth generations of family, we proudly toasted our beer drinkers, retail customers, and distributors to thank them for their loyalty and support. Today, on behalf of the Leinenkugel family, I thank them again and will toast them this evening with a Leinenkugel’s Original and a tear in my eye.”

The 56 workers are represented by the Teamsters Local 200 and 662. The union chapters sent a joint statement to WEAU:

“It is a tragedy that Molson Coors wants to close the doors on this brewery, which has been a point of pride for Chippewa Valley for more than 150 years. The Teamsters are doing everything in our power to fight for and protect our members’ rights.”

The following statement was released by the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce:

“We are saddened to hear of the closure of the Leinenkugel’s Brewery. Beginning in Chippewa Falls more than 155 years ago, Leinenkugel’s has been a long standing business, helping shape the community we are today. As was true so many years ago, the diversity of our businesses and industries allow us to remain resilient as our community evolves.

With the Leinie Lodge and the Pilot Brewery remaining open, Go Chippewa County, the Tourism Division of the Chamber, will continue to promote their tastings and events while seeking to understand future brewery tour details and options.

Our thoughts are with the employees and families impacted by the announcement and the Chamber is committed to providing them with area resources and connecting  them with area businesses that are hiring.”

“I know a lot of the people that worked there. Great employees, hard workers. I feel real bad for them,” said Mayor Hoffman.

David Buhrow is a part of the legacy in Chippewa Falls. Having worked 37 years, Buhrow retired in 2023.

“My dad was there he was a brew master. My dad’s cousin was a brew master. My dad was there 38 years and I think his cousin was there 41 years,” said Buhrow.

Some of his work friends he still keeps in contact with were blind sided Wednesday by the announcement.

“We’ve been to the Leinie’s Lodge yesterday when we found out the information. They were stunned. They couldn’t believe it either,” said Buhrow.

Finding a new job is now something the 56 brewery workers will have to do.

It may not take them long though, as the city’s mayor is optimistic with what he said is an abundance of manufacturing jobs in the area.

“The majority of them should have jobs within 30 days, if not sooner,” said Mayor Hoffman.

January 17 is the date Leinenkugel’s, along with another Molson Coors brewery in Milwaukee, shuts down.

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