(Ann Arbor, MI) – Big changes are underway at Northern United Brewing Company (NUBC) – the maker of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, North Peak and Grizzly Peak beers, Civilized Spirits and Bonafide Wines, and operator of Jolly Pumpkin Cafes in Ann Arbor and Traverse City as well as Old Mission Table Restaurant in Traverse City.
NEW BREWERY OPERATIONS
Yet this year, Northern United Brewing Company will open a new 70,000-square-foot brewing facility in Dexter, where Ron Jeffries will oversee all brewing operations for both the Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak beer brands. The new site allows for expansion of up to 150,000-square feet in the future.
“I’ve always said I’ll brew as much sour beer as folks want to drink. Whoever would have guessed it would be more than we can possibly brew at our existing facility,” says Ron Jeffries. “I’m very excited to be making the 1.5 mile move to our new plant. More sour beer can only be a good thing! And did I mention IPAs? Taking over the brewing of the North Peak line with those fantastic hoppy beers – are you kidding me, it’s a(nother) dream come true!”
The move means that NUBC’s 5600-square-foot facility on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City will be dedicated to the production of Civilized Spirits and North Peak’s Nomad Hard Cider, under the auspices of Mike Hall.
“We’re excited for the North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin brands to have a new home to continue to meet our growing demand. This will allow us to focus on our micro distillery, and expand our production of Civilized Spirits,” says Mike. “We will continue to create the highest quality craft spirits, and we are also looking forward to knocking out some exclusive experimental brews at the JP pub.”
NEW MANAGEMENT STAFF
NUBC has also announced the hiring of Tony Grant as the company’s chief financial and chief operating officer, effective July 1. His primary focus is working with the executive team to develop the near and long-term strategies for the company.
“The shift taking place in our industry is amazing and the brands of Northern United Brewing Company are on the forefront of what makes craft creations so special,” Tony says. “This is a dream job with an incredible group of talented people as the dream team and I feel very lucky to be a part of it. The future is full of opportunity!”
Tony has more than 10 years of Fortune 500 experience in strategic finance, operations and executive management in retail, commercial and industrial real estate and manufacturing operations. Most recently, he served as director of corporate development with Owens Corning where he focused on all aspects of global acquisition and divestiture activity and various strategic projects for the company.
Prior to Owens Corning, he served as an executive officer and vice president of strategic planning, real estate and international franchise operations for Borders Group – where he also managed various asset dispositions and worked very closely with major shareholders and the company’s board of directors. Tony was also the architect of and managed Borders very successful airport bookstore expansion across the U.S. earlier in his career with the company.
Tony received both his MBA and electrical engineering degrees from Michigan State University, where he also played varsity football under Nick Saban and Bobby Williams.
“We are extremely excited to add a person of Tony’s caliber to our executive management team,” according to Jon Carlson and Greg Lobdell, who along with Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall are managing partners of NUBC. “His experience along with his tremendous work ethic and ability to lead will allow NUBC to continue on the path of growth that we have been experiencing and allow the company to reach its full potential.”
NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.
