Anheuser-Busch Doubles Investment in US Workforce

Anheuser-Busch Companies is doubling its previously announced investment in US manufacturing operations from US$300m to US$600m, with a significant focus on workforce development and technical skills training across 2025 and 2026.

The manufacturer of brands including Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob ULTRA is establishing 15 new technical skills training centres at facilities nationwide while partnering with technical trade schools to develop its workforce capabilities. The subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev is expanding efforts to recruit former and current service members into manufacturing roles within the private sector.

Workforce development at scale

The company plans to upskill more than 90% of its manufacturing workforce over the next five years through its expanded network of training centres. This builds on progress since 2022, when over 2,700 employees received training following the launch of its Technical Excellence Centre in St Louis.

The training centres will offer employees advanced instruction across technical fundamentals, digital tools, management systems and mechanical and electrical systems.

Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, says: "Anheuser-Busch's $600m investment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the future of American manufacturing. By strengthening our manufacturing operations, we are creating sustainable careers, not just jobs and investing in the people who are vital to our success.

"We are proud to continue building the next generation of manufacturing leaders through our new technical training centres while also providing new opportunities in the workforce for our nation's veterans."

The expanded investment will also fund infrastructure improvements at key sites, including $30m at the Jacksonville, Florida facility, $7.4m at the Los Angeles brewery and $9.2m at the Cartersville, Georgia location for upgrading brewing and packaging equipment.

Veterans transition into manufacturing

Anheuser-Busch is continuing its partnership with the Manufacturing Institute's Heroes MAKE America initiative, which provides resources for US service members to transition into manufacturing careers. The company currently employs 1,800 veterans and active service members across its operations.

The brewer and the Manufacturing Institute jointly developed Smart Resume, a platform that translates military skills and experience into formats that employers can easily verify and understand.

Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, says: "Anheuser-Busch's expanded investment is a commitment to the American worker and the future of our nation's strength in manufacturing. By partnering with the Manufacturing Institute, Anheuser-Busch is powering a new generation of opportunity for the world's finest workforce, the manufacturing workforce."

Industry partnerships for skills

Through collaborations with technical trade schools and the Manufacturing Institute, the company is working to address skills gaps within its workforce while creating pathways into manufacturing careers. Jay says: "These local technical skills training centres and partnerships with trade schools will transform careers and enable the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow to develop the critical skills they need to build life-changing careers, grow our economy and shape American communities."