Brewer splashes out on Cumbrian site

NORTH West contract brewer Thomas Hardy Holdings has expanded its presence in the region with the £800,000 purchase of its site in Kendal.

Thomas Hardy, which is based in Warrington, was supported in the purchase of the 1.5-acres freehold site by NatWest.

The property, which houses a bottling plant and packaging operations, has been bought from landlord Scottish & Newcastle.

The deal provides Thomas Hardy Holdings with increased security of tenure and the opportunity to expand its capacity in Kendal.

Hardy brews and packages premium alcoholic brands on behalf of customers such as Scottish & Newcastle and Carlsberg. 

The company, which has a turnover of £31.7m, employs 72 people at its Burtonwood site and 60 people in Kendal. 

Peter Ward, Managing Director of Thomas Hardy Holdings, said: “We are very pleased to have purchased the freehold to the Kendal site. 

“This transaction forms part of our long term strategy to increase stability in the business and allows us to look at ways in which we can maximise the site’s potential.”   

Rob Grace, relationship manager for NatWest , commented “In recent years Thomas Hardy has made a significant investment in its plant and facilities, which has helped establish the company as one of the country’s leading independent contract brewers.  The acquisition of their Kendal site will bring further benefits to the business.”