Situated in the quaint village of Rock, the brewery is widely recognized for producing the popular Doom Bar ale, which is served in pubs nationwide and offered by many leading retailers.
As announced by Molson Coors, the decision to close this facility arises from the fact that it is “no longer financially sustainable.”
Since acquiring the brewery in 2011, the company has invested over £20 million, enhancing production capacity, upgrading equipment, and expanding the Sharp’s portfolio, which also features Sharp’s Original, Atlantic IPA, and Wolf Rock.
Managing director Simon Kerry disclosed that 200 positions will be eliminated across Molson Coors’ UK operations, with 50 redundancies stemming directly from Sharp’s Brewery.
In its statement, the brewer emphasized that it “remains committed” to the Sharp’s portfolio and will investigate various production alternatives, possibly including partnerships for producing Sharp’s brands.
“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,” noted Kerry.
“However, the site is no longer financially sustainable as part of our national production network. Our focus now is on supporting our Rock-based colleagues in every way we can throughout this process.”
Additionally, 150 employees will face redundancies following the closure of a call center in Wales. These job cuts are part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at “unlocking efficiencies and cost-savings to fuel the company’s long-term growth.”
Reflecting on these developments, John Brown, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, stated: “This isn’t something you ever want to see happen, especially with a brand that has been such a powerful part of the Cornish story.”
“It’s a great shame to hear that it’s being reviewed … albeit as part of what seems to be a more national review that’s being undertaken by the parent company.”
