Australia-based Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) has revealed its plans to upgrade the Tasmanian brewery of its Cascade brand with a capital investment of A$10.3m ($8m).

The upgrade will see Tasmania as the company’s craft brewing hub for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and will help increase its production by 65%.

As reported by CUB, the upgrade has been supported by the Tasmanian Government with a contribution of A$1m ($784,160).

CUB CEO Jan Craps said: “We are thrilled that Cascade will become CUB’s craft brewing hub for the Asia Pacific region. It is a testimony to our long-term confidence in Cascade, Hobart and Tasmania.

“We’re going to build on a heritage that commenced when Cascade first brewed for Tasmanians in 1832.”

“We’re also backing our team of experienced brewers at Cascade to take us to the next level. We’re going to build on a heritage that commenced when Cascade first brewed for Tasmanians in 1832.”

The brewery’s upgrade will expand the craft brewing options, including brewing experimental beers for the brand’s operations in Australia and the APAC region, in addition to brewing from some of the world’s craft brands.

The brand’s produced beers will be distributed throughout Australia and parts of the the APAC region.

Cascade’s production expansion is expected to create new jobs in the construction phase alongside five new full-time jobs on completion.

In addition to the upgrade, CUB has appointed Anita Holdsworth as Cascade’s new brewery manager.

Holdsworth said: “I can’t wait to start on this exciting transformation of Cascade. We’re going to do great things building on Cascade’s heritage.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to build more partnerships with local Tasmanian companies and connect with local communities. This starts with using even greater, fresh Tasmanian ingredients in our beers and ciders.”