Corona's owner Constellation Brands is investing $900m to expand the annual production capacity of its brewery in Ciudad Obregon. Credit: Haris M S via Flickr.

US-based Constellation Brands is investing $900m to expand the annual production capacity of its brewery in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico.

The investment will increase production capacity of the facility by approximately five million hectolitres over the next four years, as well as create up to 450 new jobs.

The construction phase of the project, which is expected to begin immediately, will also create thousands of jobs for local men and women.

Constellation Brands’ investment aims to expand its brewing and packaging capabilities in Mexico and to support the continued growth of the company’s beer portfolio in the US. Its portfolio includes Mexican beers Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, and Pacifico and Victoria.

In addition, the investments support the company’s innovation initiatives, which have resulted in the recent introductions of Corona Premier, Corona Familiar and Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante to the US market.

The company intends to use its newly installed technology to safeguard local natural resources.

Sonora governor Claudia Pavlovich said: “If something is clear to me, it is that what is done in Sonora is recognized both nationally and internationally.

“Mexico and Ciudad Obregón are of fundamental importance to Constellation Brands.”

“Our productive vocations are no longer just a source of historical, and perhaps nostalgic, pride, they are the basis of our optimism for the future, a future that is betting on Sonora to be its centre of operations.”

Constellation Brands in Mexico president Daniel Baima said: “Mexico and Ciudad Obregón are of fundamental importance to Constellation Brands; the high calibre of talent in the community and their utmost commitment to making quality products are a few of the reasons why we selected Ciudad Obregón in the first place and continue investing here.”

Constellation Brands is an international producer and marketer of wine, beer and spirits. Its portfolio includes brands such as Case Noble tequila and Nobilo wine.