Community spotlight: There’s plenty brewing at Railway City

Railway City Brewing this week finds itself on the ground floor of a regional brewing hub being assembled by SymBev.

The Toronto-based adult beverage company established last year has acquired the St. Thomas craft brewer and two other southern Ontario brands.

myFM asked SymBev CEO Dave Clarke what attracted the company to Railway City Brewing.

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Also acquired by SymBev are CRANK Lite out of Oakville and Locker Room Lager of Toronto.

With the news, look for exciting changes coming to the St. Thomas craft brewer in business since 2008.

Clarke says the plan is to produce those brands here in St. Thomas.

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Clarke says they aim to install a new canning line at Railway City Brewing early in the new year.

The aim, he stresses, is to invest in and grow the operation, which includes the installation of a new canning line.

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Outgoing president John Peart says the sale is all about maintaining Railway City Brewing’s legacy and moving the company forward.

Clarke says he is impressed with the relationship between the brewery and the community.

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The move to acquire Railway City does not necessarily mean the addition of new product lines by the St. Thomas craft brewer.

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However marketing the existing brands will be key for SymBev.

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Planning is already underway for a second round of acquisitions by SymBev, explains Clarke.

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While there are no firm plans at this time, Clarke says they are looking at some upgrades to the retail area and outdoor patio at the Edward Street location of Railway City Brewing.

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Written by Ian McCallum