Twenty-four workers at the landmark Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka are losing their jobs as the company embarks on a $5 million revamp of the site.
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DB Breweries spokesperson Matt Wilson said Mangatainoka was not the best place in the world for large-scale production.
"That part of State Highway 2 has been described by the NZTA as one of the most difficult roads in the country to maintain. Partly it's the geographical isolation, and also the way the brewery was originally set up - and it's a very old brewery - is no longer fit for purpose for what it's producing."
Mr Wilson said the project, which begins in October, will involve replacing the old plant with a smaller modern brewery, and quake-strengthening the 1930s brick tower.
He said the 13 full-time and 11 part-time workers affected could stay on the job until the new plant opens in May and it was hoped some will be employed there or could transfer to other DB sites.
