Jobs boost for North East brewer
Brewdog is expanding operations at its brewery in Ellon.
Craft beer company BrewDog is to expand with the creation of 130 jobs.
The Aberdeenshire-based maker of Punk IPA has seen sales soar amid a growing demand for independently-brewed beers.
The company, which was founded in 2007, ships its beer to more than 50 countries and has established a global bar franchise.
The jobs boost follows a ÂŁ1.5 million Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who visited the brewery today, said: BrewDog is a remarkable Scottish success story, beginning with
Martin and James' passion for quality craft beer and growing into a major award-winning company.
I am delighted to support this growth through today's RSA award which will create a further 130 jobs in the north east.
With a presence across the globe it is only right that this young company should receive so many accolades, including today's London Stock Exchange Group's 1000 Companies To Inspire Britain 2015.''
Co-founders James Watt and Martin Dickie set up BrewDog when they were 24 in response to the stuffy ales'' which dominated the UK drinks market.
Seven years on, the company now employs more than 350 people and has bars in Sao Paulo, Tokyo and Gothenburg.
BrewDog has funded its expansion through its online Equity For Punks scheme, raising millions through public investors.
It was recently named the UK's fastest growing food and drink company by the Sunday Times Fast Track 100.
BrewDog co-founder Mr Watt said: At BrewDog we are on a mission to make other people as passionate about craft beer as we are. And our people are pivotal in achieving this.
One of our proudest moments in 2014 was announcing that BrewDog is a Living Wage Employer - everyone on our team, from the incredible brewing and production crew to the passionate bar staff, are critical to the growth and success of BrewDog and the craft beer industry.
We are truly thankful for the immense support from the RSA and Scottish Enterprise. With the increased funding we are able to make our dreams a reality and add loads more integral and talented people to the BrewDog team.
Each new hire will help us with our massive plans for 2015 and the years following and manifest our mission in Scotland and across the world.''