Molson Coors plans to axe 200 jobs with Sharp’s Brewery and call centre closures

US-Canadian brewing firm Molson Coors has revealed it plans to shut Sharp’s Brewery in Rock, Cornwall, and its UK national contact centre in Cardiff by the end of the year.

The changes, which are still in consultation, will put 200 jobs at risk, including around 50 roles at the Cornwall brewer of Doom Bar, Atlantic Pale Ale and Offshore Pilsner.

Molson Coors blamed almost 90% of orders from bar and pub customers being placed through its website for the closure of its Welsh contact centre.

Instead, the group plans to handle customer service online and from its UK and Ireland headquarters in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.

The Carling brewer, which bought Sharp’s in 2011, said the decision to close the Rock brewery was made “only after exploring every alternative option to make the site financially sustainable”, though it “remains committed” to Sharp’s brands and was looking at alternative production routes, including the possibility of producing them in partnership.

The plans are part of efforts to “unlock efficiencies and cost savings”, the firm said.

Molson Coors UK and Ireland managing director Simon Kerry said: “The proposed closure of Sharp’s brewery has not been an easy decision for us to make. It has been a significant part of our UK business for 15 years, with an exceptional and committed team which takes such huge pride in their craft.”

Since acquiring Sharp’s, Molson Coors has invested more than £20m in the brewery to expand capacity, upgrade equipment, support innovation and strengthen the portfolio.

“We have invested significantly in the site and the Sharp’s brands over that time and have taken every step we can to try and avoid this outcome,” said Kerry. “However, the site is no longer financially sustainable as part of our national production network.”

He added: “As a brewer with more than 200 years of experience, we understand that long-term success requires decisive action in response to market evolution. These proposals are founded on building on our strong foundations and reshaping our business for growth.

“By making difficult choices now, we can unlock greater opportunities to invest in our business, our people and our brands to help us and our customers to grow sustainably and for the long term. This is clearly a very difficult time for our colleagues, and we will be doing everything we can to support our teams through this process.”

Sharp’s Brewery was founded by Bill Sharp in Rock, Cornwall, in 1994. Its brands include the flagship Doom Bar beer, Atlantic, Offshore, Sea Fury, Solar Wave and Chalky’s Bite.

Molson Coors’ beverage portfolio in the UK and Ireland includes Aspall Cyder, Carling, Cobra, Coors, Madri Excepcional, Pravha, Staropramen and Rekorderlig.