AB InBev pledges US$300m to boost manufacturing and support US veterans

Anheuser-Busch has announced a US$300 million investment across its US manufacturing operations, building on nearly $2 billion invested over the past five years. The post AB InBev pledges US$300m to boost manufacturing and support US veterans appeared first on The Drinks Business.

May 19, 2025 - 09:55

AB InBev pledges US$300m to boost manufacturing and support US veterans

Anheuser-Busch has announced a US$300 million investment across its US manufacturing operations, building on nearly $2 billion invested over the past five years.

The American brewing giant, which produces household names like Busch Light, Budweiser and Bud Light, said the 2025 investment will enhance its facilities and support local communities through its Brewing Futures initiative. The programme focuses on three areas: expanding manufacturing jobs, growing the technical workforce, and strengthening career opportunities for US veterans. "This new $300 million investment in our manufacturing facilities across the U.S. is the latest example of Anheuser-Busch's commitment to strengthening our local communities by creating and sustaining jobs and driving economic prosperity," said CEO Brendan Whitworth. "Investing in our people and in new technologies and capabilities to drive industry and economic growth is core to who we are."

Technical training expansion

Anheuser-Busch will roll out its Technical Excellence Center model nationally, starting with a new regional facility in Columbus, Ohio. The programme, launched in 2022, has already supported over 1,200 employees. The new Columbus centre will upskill the company’s regional technical workforce over the next three years. In addition, Anheuser-Busch will open access to its St. Louis and Columbus training centres to trade school students and educators, in partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers' Manufacturing Institute. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio) said: “By investing millions in comprehensive education programs right here in Ohio, Anheuser-Busch is creating pathways to success for Ohioans in our communities.”

Support for veterans

Anheuser-Busch will also become the first US manufacturer to adopt a new digital credentialing system that translates military experience into qualifications for manufacturing roles. The initiative is part of its partnership with the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America programme. The company will train its recruiters to use the system, which is designed to better match veterans’ skills with open roles at Anheuser-Busch. Veterans and active-duty military personnel currently make up more than 10% of the company’s workforce, with nearly 60% of them in manufacturing roles and a retention rate close to 100%. Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, said: “Anheuser-Busch’s $300 million investment is more than a commitment to manufacturing in America - it’s a commitment to America’s future.” Anheuser-Busch, which has operated in the U.S. since 1857, runs 100 facilities nationwide. It states that 99% of its US sales are from products made domestically, with more than $7 billion spent on goods and services from American suppliers and $700 million on ingredients sourced from US farmers annually. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, US Secretary of Labor, commented: “They are demonstrating exactly what it means to put American workers first, setting a standard for other companies to follow.”