Sth Canty boost from DB

Press, 30 July 1986, Page 44

Sth Canty boost from DB

The DB South Island Brewery, at Washdyke, contributed more than $4.8 million directly to the South Canterbury economy in the financial year to the end of March, according to its manager, Mr J. A. Gould. This figure was compiled by the brewery for inclusion in the Dominion Breweries, Ltd, annual accounts soon to be published. The brewery employs 140 staff, and wages and salaries amounted to $3.2 million for the year, says Mr Gould. A further $550,000 was paid out to local companies for repairs, maintenance and other services. Nearly $llO,OOO was also spent on electricity, coal, and fuel for vehicles.

The Washdyke brewery brews, bottles, and cans the whole range of DB beer brands for South Island consumption. Capital development of more than $6.6 million was invested during the year on new installations at the brewery. The capital expenditure included improved refrigeration plant, expanded beer storage facilities, a new keg line, and canning and packaging equipment.

“Local engineering works have played an important part in assisting in installing and commissioning of these projects,” says Mr Gould, who emphasises that the company makes every effort to use local resources wherever possible.