The Sebago Brewing Company had the groundbreaking for its new five million dollar building on Lower Main Street on April 10. The 30,395 square-foot building will double the size of the present brewery, which is also located in Gorham. The expansion was deemed necessary due to the increased demand for its craft beers. According to the company’s recent press release, “Year-to-date, Sebago Brewing Co. has been trending at over 44.3 percent growth.”
The new building’s total space will be divided into two main sections: 21,485 square feet will be dedicated to the brewery and 9,480 square feet will be set aside for a tasting room along with office spaces. With expanded space and capability, the owners hope to hire up to 40 new full and part-time employees.
Since opening in 1998, Sebago has become one of the fastest-growing craft breweries in the state. Kai Adams, co-founder of the Sebago Brewing Co., spoke about the future for the company in its new location. He commented on the agricultural aspects of the brewing industry and said that he hoped the company could eventually grow and harvest its own hops and barley on the land that is adjacent to the new building.
Photo credit Roger MarchandSebago Brewing co-founders (left to right) Kai Adams, Tim Haines, and Brad Monarch break ground for the company’s new facility while representatives from the Town of Gorham look on.
Tom Ellsworth, president of the Gorham Economic Development Corporation, talked about the growth and economic success of the “home grown” Gorham-based Sebago Brewing Company. Also present at the groundbreaking were Town Manager David Cole, members of the Town Council and Town employees, representatives of the Shaw Brothers Family Foundation, and Jon Smith of Great Falls Construction, the company building the new facility.
Construction of the brewery will be completed by the end of 2017, with beer available in the taproom beginning in January 2018. There will also be an outdoor patio and green space for seasonal use.