Anheuser-Busch has announced plans to close its Fairfield brewery in early 2026, a decision confirmed by city officials on Thursday. This closure will significantly impact the local economy, as the facility is one of the largest employers in the community. Mayor Catherine Moy described the news as “horrible” and “devastating,” emphasizing the emotional toll it takes on the residents.
City Manager David Gassaway notified Mayor Moy of the company’s decision after receiving confirmation from Anheuser-Busch. In his communication with the City Council, Gassaway stated that the brewery in Fairfield is one of three facilities set for closure across the nation. He assured that all employees would be offered positions at other company locations, although the exact date of closure remains unspecified beyond “early 2026.” The Fairfield brewery has been operational since 1976.
Anheuser-Busch, which became part of the global conglomerate Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) following its acquisition by Belgian brewer InBev in 2008, has a significant footprint in the United States. As of 2024, the Fairfield site produced over 20 of the company’s beer brands. Gassaway indicated that the closure would lead to substantial local repercussions, including job losses and decreased revenue for the city’s water utility. He expressed concerns about finding a new user for the specialized facility, though the city has already reached out to the company’s real estate team to explore potential reuse options.
Moy expressed her shock, recalling the brewery’s grand opening and its importance to Fairfield. She criticized the timing of the announcement, which came just before Christmas, calling it a display of “heartlessness.” During a conversation with company representatives, she learned that the closure would likely occur in early February, yet no explanation was provided for the decision.
In a formal statement, Anheuser-Busch explained that the company had invested nearly $2 billion in upgrading its U.S. manufacturing operations over the last five years. The decision to close the Fairfield, California, and Merrimack, New Hampshire, facilities, along with the sale of the Newark, New Jersey, site to the Goodman Group, is part of a broader strategy to consolidate operations and enhance investment in remaining facilities. The statement assured that approximately 475 full-time employees at the affected locations would receive job offers elsewhere within the U.S. operations.
Mayor Moy remarked that the Fairfield brewery’s closure is part of a troubling trend in Solano County, which has seen other significant facilities announce their departure, including the Valero refinery and Copart. She attributed the losses to what she perceives as a hostile business environment in California, citing high costs of living and regulatory challenges. In her social media post, she lamented the situation, highlighting issues such as expensive gas and high unemployment rates.
Now, the city is focused on supporting impacted workers and addressing the local repercussions of the closure. Moy stated that they would collaborate with local employment advisors to assist affected employees in finding new jobs. The brewery’s closure has left many in the community stunned, especially given the recent investments made in the facility. In March 2024, Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, announced a $7 million investment aimed at improving the brewery’s infrastructure, including roofing, equipment upgrades, and structural repairs.
Wayne Senalik, a retired employee who worked at the Fairfield site for over 34 years, expressed his sadness over the announcement. He noted that while the brewery was once a thriving business, the changes following its acquisition by InBev were significant and led to reduced production capacity.
The closure of the Fairfield brewery represents a critical moment for the local economy and highlights ongoing challenges for businesses in California.
