Hi-Wire Brewing to Expand, Add 15 Jobs

(Press Release)

ASHEVILLE, NC—In conjunction with the Buncombe County Commission, Asheville City Council, and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), Hi-Wire Brewing announced today it will add 15 jobs and invest $1.62 million in a new brewing facility and equipment.

Hi-Wire’s investment will increase capacity from 4,000 to 17,000 barrels, with the potential to grow to 50,000 barrels a year. The new facility, which includes a tasting room, will enable increased statewide distribution and significantly higher production of its six-pack products with a new bottling line. Hi-Wire’s current brewery with seven employees at 197 Hilliard Avenue on Asheville’s South Slope will focus on featuring more special releases of unique styles and barrel-aged beer.

Since opening in June 2013, Hi-Wire Brewing was named Best New N.C. Brewery in 2013 by RateBeer and was awarded the most medals at the 2014 N.C. Brewer’s Cup. Hi-Wire’s light-hearted circus theme and artist-drawn labels embody the fun, authenticity, and creativity of its deep-rooted handmade craft.

“Hi-Wire is one of the success stories in the emergence of the City’s South Slope as a major economic engine. The City of Asheville’s focus on revitalizing this district will stimulate more private capital investment and employment, along with public improvements to infrastructure and walkability,” said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer.

“We are grateful to the City of Asheville and Buncombe County for their support. And we wouldn’t be where we are today without all of our loyal fans in Asheville and across North Carolina. We’re excited about the opportunity to produce a lot more of our popular Hi-Wire LAGER and flagship beers,” remarked Adam Charnack, co-owner and Ringmaster of Hi-Wire Brewing.

“In the tradition of Asheville’s brewing community, Hi-Wire opened on day one with great beer and high demand. It’s exciting to see the company growing fast and adding good jobs,” commented David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Commissioners.

“The future is bright for young entrepreneurs like Adam at Hi-Wire whose dedication to quality and high growth elevate Asheville’s reputation as a national leader in craft brewing. The community’s sustained efforts to grow strategic target clusters have reached critical mass in the brewing industry,” said EDC Chairman Paul Szurek.

Hi-Wire Brewing, located in downtown Asheville, N.C., embraces its craft from top to bottom, from its hand-produced beers to its artwork, hand-drawn by a local artist. Hi-Wire was awarded the most medals at the 2014 N.C. Brewer’s Cup and the Best New N.C. Brewery for 2013 by RateBeer. Hi-Wire’s award-winning beers are available on draft at North Carolina bars, restaurants, and its downtown Asheville tasting room, as well as in 6-packs at retail outlets. Featuring four year-round beers—Hi-Wire LAGER, Prime Time PALE, Bed of Nails BROWN, and Hi-Pitch IPA—as well as a rotating selection of seasonal offerings, Hi-Wire Brewing invites you to “Walk on the Wire Side.” For an up-to-date listing of places to find Hi-Wire’s beer, visit hiwirebrewing.com.

The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions.  The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, research, and marketing and recruitment.  The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Town of Weaverville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign. Visit www.ashevillechamber.org/ economic-development.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to a 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year. To get active in the Chamber, visitwww.ashevillechamber.org.