Miller Brewing Company, based in Milwaukee, and Coors Brewing Company of Golden, Colorado, have been working since July to integrate their operations into one: MillerCoors LLC, with headquarters slated to relocate to downtown Chicago in 2009.
The creation of Chicago jobs will also mean the reduction in workforce in Milwaukee and Golden, Colorado. While the initial integration of the companies is largely complete, so begins the reduction in workforce – mostly the elimination of redundant positions.
In Milwaukee to date, over 100 employees at been cut with an additional 50 expected over the next six months. The company notes that the cuts are part of a $500 million cost savings plan. According to the company’s first quarterly financial results, sales of Coors Light are up, while Miller Lite sales were down.
The company website has noted that as a result of the headquarters move, 150-175 positions will be impacted in both Golden and Milwaukee, with additional positions impacted throughout the integration process. Expectations are that 300-400 Chicago jobs will be housed in headquarters over time.