Bruce Rowland

Great Western Brewing Company Ltd.

This Saskatoon fixture has seen trials, triumphs and history made. The brewery was built in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1927, operating as the Hub City Brewing Company. After some changes in management, in 1956, the brewery was acquired and operated as O'Keefe Brewing until 1989. In 1989 the entire plant was invited to a meeting where they were told Carling and Molson would merge. This merger would mean the end of the brewery in Saskatoon and the loss of jobs for its 40 employees. A group of determined and bold employees stood up and pooled their resources. The Original 16 risked it all and founded the Great Western Brewing Company. The brewery was David in a world full of Goliaths. But, with the support of their family, the Original 16 made it through each and every challenge thrown at them. Now, the Great Western Brewing Company is one of Canada's most successful regional brewers and an internationally recognized producer of world-class beer.