Geelong’s brewer of the iconic Furphy Refreshing Ale, Little Creatures, will expand its operations and create 10 new jobs thanks in part to support from the Victorian Government.
Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula visited Little Creatures in South Geelong to confirm the Victorian Government’s support for the company’s $11 million expansion.
In just six years of operation in Geelong, Little Creatures has built its brewery and hospitality operations to become a local favourite and major tourism drawcard for the region.
The company will expand its current base to incorporate a new space that will support community activities and also install a 651-kilowatt solar PV system to reduce its energy bill.
Little Creatures opened its Geelong operations in 2013, remodelling a woollen mill dating to 1923. The company has invested more than $60 million in the Geelong site which supports an effective full-time workforce of 70.
Founded in 1999 in Fremantle, Little Creatures produces the Geelong-born Furphy Refreshing Ale as well as Little Creatures, James Squire and Byron Bay Brewery brands. The Geelong brewery produces 30 million litres of beer a year.
Little Creatures took its first major steps on the east coast when it opened a dining hall in Fitzroy in 2005. The company is now a subsidiary of Lion Pty Ltd, in turn part of Japanese giant Kirin.
Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes more than $30 billion to the state’s economy and employs nearly 280,000 people – more than any other state.
Source: Vic Government