The Buffalo News is reporting today that Buffalo is to become the headquarters for Labatt USA, brewers of regional favorite Labatt Blue beer. For once it appears that our local penchant for beer is paying off. Buffalo is one of the strongest markets for Labatt in the United States. Also helping the cause is Buffalo’s proximity to Toronto, world headquarters for Labatt. Executives and sales staff will be able to drive to meetings instead of having to fly between Toronto and Connecticut, where Labatt USA is presently located.
The move, scheduled for spring, will bring about 20 sales and marketing jobs to the Key Center downtown. There are also a number of fringe benefits to come with this move. Sponsorships and other corporate resources such as advertising, consulting, and corporate entertaining will come along with the headquarters. According to company President Glen Walter, Labatt USA is considering adding a tasting room featuring the company’s brands on tap for corporate visitors to try.
The most impressive feature of this move is the fact that Labatt USA did not even contact one Buffalo economic development agency to inquire about a move to Buffalo. Labatt USA sort of decided to make this move, Out of the Blue. Lets hope other Canadian companies with operations in the United States are watching this move because if this works out well for Labatt, then Buffalo could be well poised to gain a few more U.S. headquarters.
Who wants to join me in toasting our new headquarters with a Blue?
Key Center photo credit: CitySky Photography by Nate Farnworth.