Based in the small village of Rock, the facility is perhaps best known for producing the Doom Bar ale, found on tap in pubs across the country and sold by many major retailers.
According to Molson Coors, the decision has been made because the site is “no longer financially sustainable.”
The firm has invested over £20 million into the brewery since acquiring it in 2011, developing capacity, upgrading equipment and growing the Sharp’s portfolio, which also includes Sharp’s Original, Atlantic IPA and Wolf Rock.
Managing director Simon Kerry has confirmed that 200 staff would be made redundant across Molson Coors’ UK operations – 50 of which would be from Sharp’s Brewery.
In a statement, the brewer said that it “remains committed” to the Sharp’s portfolio and that it would be exploring a variety of production options, which could include producing Sharp’s brands in partnership.
“We have invested significantly in the site and the Sharp’s brands over that time and have taken every step we can to try and avoid this outcome,” added Kerry.
“However, the site is no longer financially sustainable as part of our national production network. Our focus now is on supporting our Rock-based colleagues in every way we can throughout this process.”
A further 150 people will be made redundant following the closure of a call centre in Wales, with the cutbacks forming part of a wider restructuring plan to “unlock efficiencies and cost-savings to fuel the company’s long-term growth.”
On the news, John Brown, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce commented: “This isn’t something you ever want to see happen, especially with a brand that has been such a powerful part of the Cornish story.
“It’s a great shame to hear that it’s being reviewed ... albeit as part of what seems to be a more national review that’s being undertaken by the parent company.”
