The future operators of a Hunter brewery have been awarded a $1 million federal government grant to go towards setting up a space to make zero-alcohol beer.
Modus Operandi Brewing Company - which began in the Sydney suburb of Mona Vale before co-founders Grant and Jaz Wearin set their sights on Merewether - was among the businesses that earned a grant as part of the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund.
The latest round spread 56 grants, valued between $100,000 and $1 million, across 86 projects nationwide.
The money is aimed at driving growth in the manufacturing sector.
A panel of independent manufacturing industry experts awarded the funding, which must be matched by the businesses on a three-to-one basis.
Modus Operandi will use the money to set-up part of a brewery at Merewether to make NORT, the brand's zero-alcohol beer.
The company plans to open a brew-pub in Merewether opposite Lingard Hospital on Merewether Street, which could hold up to 300 patrons.
NORT will be brewed at the site, along with other types of beer.
Mr Wearin told the NewcastleHerald yesterday the grant money would be used on the NORT production component of the brewery - largely for the technology required to brew no-alcohol beer, with the project expected to be finished next April.
He said the company was aiming for the remainder of the brew-pub to be open to the public in the coming months.
Mr Wearin said the company was "very grateful" and "proud to be among such esteemed and progressive companies as a successful applicant".
"[It] reiterates the brand recognition and the good things embedded in NORT - production innovation, alcohol moderation, jobs growth and our company's track record," he said.
"The brewery's new centerpiece location in Merewether will be another key tourism attraction for the Hunter region."
The brewery's new centerpiece location in Merewether will be another key tourism attraction for the Hunter region.
Mr Wearin
Liberal Senator for NSW Hollie Hughes said the grant would help the company transform its manufacturing operation.
"This will help [Modus Operandi] Brewery to modernise its business and potentially create new opportunities, including local job opportunities," she said. "It reflects well upon the quality of businesses in the Newcastle electorate as well as providing an example of what others can also achieve."
