Husband and wife team Stuart and Lindsay Weston bought the business from founder Andy Herrington, who is leaving the business on June 7 to pursue a career in marketing with private security company Eboracam.
Local business owners Nick Ibell, John Greenwood, Sean Wilkinson, Ian Walker and Dave Smith have joined as shareholders and the coalition said it aims to grow the Ainsty Ales brand and continue taproom events at Acaster Malbis.
“It's time to move forward.”
Reflecting on his retirement from the business world, Herrington said in a LinkedIn.com post:As the founder of Ainsty Ales Brewery & Taproom, I have dedicated myself to the business for the past 11 years but it is now time to take the next step and entrust the business and day to day running to four new York-based shareholders and a fantastic couple I have known personally for the past 10 years.
Founded by Herrington in 2014, Ainsty Ales operates a 10-barrel brewhouse with a 12-barrel mash tun, hot and cold water tanks and a copper kettle, as well as three fermenters and equalisation tanks capable of producing 5,000 litres of beer per week, with enough space to double production.
Yorkshire entrepreneur Nick Ibell said: “We thank Andy Herrington for all he has done to grow the brand and for the local community and are delighted that he will be moving into new areas to apply his marketing talents. I have lived in the village for over 20 years and this is an important local brand that we all want to see thrive.”
Capital Investment
“We have already invested in a fourth brewing vessel to increase our brewing capacity and be able to keep up with the growing demand.”
Co-investor Sean Wilkinson said the investment was a lifelong dream.
““It's exciting to take on this award-winning brand with a growing national presence, and as a team I'm committed to its future success.” He added:
“Craft beer is a £1.7 billion industry in the UK and we are committed to growing Ainsty Ales to offer even more bold beers to beer lovers around the world.”
Meanwhile, Guinness owner Diageo has announced its plans. It will invest more than €100 million in decarbonising its St James' Gate facility in Dublin.
