Jeremiah Johnson Brewing is moving forward with plans to build a new production facility and public tasting room near Great Falls International Airport, a development that underscores continued growth in Montana’s craft manufacturing and tourism economy.

The Airport Authority unanimously approved a long term lease placing the brewery in the airport’s light industrial development along the I 15 frontage road. For Great Falls residents, the project brings a long requested taproom to a locally rooted brand that has grown regionally without a retail presence at home.

For the broader Montana economy, the expansion reflects rising demand for value added manufacturing, supports local jobs, and strengthens Great Falls as a destination for travelers and residents alike. The location near the airport positions the brewery to capture both local traffic and visitors, reinforcing the role of small and mid sized producers in regional economic diversification.

The expansion is also driven by clear production constraints and technology investments that highlight trends affecting Montana’s business and workforce landscape. Jeremiah Johnson Brewing has added fermenters, upgraded brewing systems, and installed a high speed canning line that dramatically increases output, allowing the company to produce up to 80,000 cans per week and scale toward 15,000 barrels annually. These efficiency gains matter for Montana because they show how modern equipment and process improvements can help in state companies compete across multi state markets.

The brewery now sells in six states, partners with a national restaurant chain, and plans a separate small batch facility focused on experimental beers.  The project signals confidence in Great Falls, continued momentum in Montana’s small business sector, and the importance of investing in modern production capabilities to sustain long term growth.

Montana’s Jeremiah Johnson Brewing plans new production facility and tasting room