LACROSSE, Wis. — The last major brewer in western Wisconsin, City Brewing of LaCrosse, confirmed rumors of employee lay-offs. The company didn’t say how many pink skips have gone out. The company has 700 people on its LaCrosse payroll. The company changed hands in Augst when lenders took over. The cuts, said the company, were “necessary for the long-term health of the business.” Market conditions were cited.

City Brewing profile

The brewery dates to 1858 in LaCrosse. Today it’s the largest full-service contract brewer in the nation. Besides LaCrosse, company  has plants in California, Pennsvlania and Tennessee. The La Crosse facility makes beer, flavored malt beverages, hard seltzers, premium brand  non-alcoholic beverages, and spirit-based ready-to-drink products.