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Walsall’s historic Highgate Brewery could have closed down within two years if a multi-million pound takeover announced today had not been agreed, its new owners have revealed.
Highgate managing director Bob Norton admitted the buyout by Smethwick-based Global Star had given “a new breath of life” to the Sandymount Road brewery.
An almost immediate investment of around £3 million is being proposed and the jobs of the existing 25-strong workforce have been safeguarded, along with a promise of more jobs.
As part of the undisclosed deal the landmark brewery, together with its stable of 10 pubs across the Midlands, will now become part of the Global Star group.
The company owns more than 100 pubs in the region and Mr Norton said today the takeover could almost double turnover at the 110-year-old brewery.
He said: “The brewery was suffering from a lack of investment and would have closed eventually. It probably had a maximum life of two more years.
“This planned investment is terrific and and with the projects being put forward it will bring prosperity and more jobs to Highgate Brewery. It is a new breath of life.”
Wayne Toon, chief executive of Global Star, said: “Highgate Brewery is steeped in history, and we believe that with the growing popularity of cask ale there is plenty of potential to expand.”
8 Comments
How many owners can this relatively small brewery have? Here’s to a true survivor. Long live Highgate.
There is a god. Nothing taste’s as good as a pint of beer from the highgate brewery. Thankyou for saving this national treasure.
I attended an interview for a job vacancy at Highgate that has arised and I must say I was amazed by the sight the place is magnificent I have lived in Walsall all my life and never seen a place with such real character and its good to see not everything is moving abroad for cheaper labour let’s keep some real history in Walsall:-)
I have missed Highate beers since I moved to Shropshire 6 years ago. Highgate Mild is pure class. Remember the stand at the old Walsall ground with the big Highgate sign on top?
I live in Victoria Australia, and used to work in the garage at Davenports. I have had a news paper cutting about you starting to remake Davenports Bitter. Congratulations with your efforts and I wish you all the best with the Bitter.
Barrie B
As an employee from 1942-1954 I was delighted
to see on the Internet that the old brewery is still on going. Long may it do so.
Highgate Brewery is a Walsall beer drinkers treasure. Please do not take it for granted, if you see Highgate Mild on tap in a pub buy a pint, enjoy the unique taste along with the knowledge that you are supporting a local brewery.
I woked at Davenports for more than twenty five very enjoyable years
good to no you are brewing and marketing under the name I believe mr Wilson is head brewer i remember him joined as a young man good luck to you look forward to haveing a good pint again