US-based brewery Anheuser-Busch has announced plans to invest $2bn in its breweries by 2020, with a first instalment of $500m this year.

The company anticipates that this new capital expenditure programme will strengthen its US operations and support local and state economies, in addition to creating nearly 17,000 jobs in the country.

The investment is also expected to drive the company’s growth strategy and help establish new collaborations with other beverage companies such as Teavana.

Anheuser-Busch's president and chief executive officer (CEO) João Castro Neves said: “Since Anheuser-Busch was founded 165 years ago, our company has been deeply rooted in America’s economic and cultural life.

"We are making these investments in our business and the communities where we live and work."

“We are making these investments in our business and the communities where we live and work.”

The company’s investments for this year will include more than $200m for brewery and distribution projects, as well as $180m for product packaging and innovation initiatives. Another $58m will be invested to improve sustainability at its facilities located across the US.

Anheuser-Busch's supply vice-president Dave Taylor said: “We are focusing on investments that empower our employees to do what they do best, brewing the best beer.

“98% of the beer we sell in America is proudly made here at our 21 breweries using the highest quality ingredients.” 

Image: Anheuser-Busch’s new capital expenditure programme will strengthen its US operations. Photo: courtesy of Anheuser-Busch Companies