The popular Yorkshire Dales brewery that produces on of the best Yorkshire beers announce a £1m investment in its Masham site that will see it become the centre for brewing excellence in the region and beyond.- after facing huge challenges back in 2023 when the business went into administration due to a range of factors.
Black Sheep brewery in Masham was acquired by private equity firm BREAL Group after it was reported to have debts of £6 million. But, work has now begun on transforming and expanding the brewery’s production facilities underpinning the firm’s commitment and ambitious plans for the iconic brand.
The brewery was founded in 1992 by fifth generation brewer paul Theakston after leaving T&R Theakstons. it has since become a multi-award-winning company with beers exported all around the world.
The move will support Black Sheep’s plans to continue expanding its customer base nationally, as well as developing exciting new products alongside its much-loved core range.
Mark Williams, CEO of the Breal Brewing Group, commented: “It’s an exciting time for Black Sheep Brewery, and we are very much looking forward to delivering our ambitious plans. The BREAL Group’s continued investment will allow us to take this fantastic brand to new heights while ensuring our much-loved beers are available to the whole of the UK.
“We’re incredibly passionate about the brewing industry, which is going through some tough times, However, quality and authenticity will always rise to the top, and that’s why we’re committed to investing in Black Sheep, which is bucking the trend, and has a bright future ahead of it.”
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The investment includes a new tank farm and state-of-the-art brewhouse at the Wellgarth site, as well as the complete transformation of capacity at its Fearby Road packaging facility. There will also be expansion in its cold storage, bottling, kegging, and racking facilities.
Since BREAL Group’s acquisition of Black Sheep in May 2023, the brewery has taken many positive steps, including its first ever brewing collaboration with Leeds-based Piglove Brew Co, the launch of its first craft ale, Side Quest, and the opportunity to work alongside and raise funds for rugby legend Rob Burrow MBE through the launch of Burrow’s Blonde – now the brewery’s fastest growing bottled beer.
Black Sheep, as well as having pubs dotted all over, is sold in major retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco and Asda with aims to invest in the National market as well.
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Feature Image Credit: Black Sheep Brewery
