USA: Country’s first organic brewery, Eel River Brewing Company, expanding to Scotia

America’s first organic brewery, Eel River Brewing Company, began construction on a new 20,000 square foot brewing and bottling facility on January 18th following a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception at the Scotia Inn, Eel River Brewing Company will be the first large tenant in the Scotia Regional Business Park, formerly Palco’s Mill A, and Scotia’s first outside business to open in the company town.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our award-winning local business into Scotia,” said Eel River Brewing Company co-owner Margaret Vivitson. “We believe this will quadruple beer production and provide needed jobs in our community.”

Based in nearby Fortuna, Eel River Brewing Company last year won 26 state and national awards for its various products. Through the move and expansion, Eel River Brewery plans to create approximately 20 new local jobs.

“Palco has been looking for an opportunity to bring in an outside business to Scotia and the Eel River Brewing Company will be a great fit for the town,” said George O’Brien, CEO of Pacific Lumber Company. “The new brewery will increase our local job base and help diversify the economy within the Scotia and Rio Dell communities. We are very excited to have them here.”

The new business park is part of Palco’s plan to offer opportunities to other businesses by providing space for smaller enterprises to relocate or expand their operations in Scotia. Additional businesses have inquired about leasing space and actively are being pursued. Palco plans to attract more businesses to fully utilize the once vacant Mill A and diversify the services the town now offers.