Molson Coors to close Sharp’s Brewery and Cardiff contact centre
About 200 jobs are at risk after Molson Coors announced plans to shut Sharp’s Brewery in Cornwall and its UK national contact centre in Cardiff
Key details
– The Cornwall brewery, which Molson Coors acquired 15 years ago, is set to close by the end of the year.
– The Cardiff contact centre is planned to shut by the end of 2026.
– round 200 redundancies could result, subject to consultation.
– The company says the move is part of efforts to “unlock efficiencies and cost-savings.”
Why Sharp’s Brewery is closing
Molson Coors said it explored “every alternative option” to make the Cornwall site financially sustainable but concluded it is “no longer financially sustainable as part of our national production network.”
Despite the closure, the company stated it remains committed to the Sharp’s brands, including Doom Bar, and is exploring production tie-ups elsewhere to continue brewing them.
Simon Kerry, UK and Ireland managing director, described the decision as “not an easy” one, acknowledging the brewery’s 15-year role in the company’s UK business and the “exceptional and committed team” at the site.
Shift to digital behind Cardiff closure
The planned closure of the Cardiff-based national contact centre reflects changing customer behaviour:
– Nearly 90% of orders from bars and pubs are now placed online.
– Customer service will instead be handled digitally and from the company’s UK and Ireland headquarters in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.
What happens next?
Both proposals are currently under consultation. Molson Coors says it will support affected employees through the process.
