Michigan Breweries History: Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company
The Joseph Schlitz Brewing company started in Milwaukee on 3rd and Walnut streets as the
August Krug, brewery and saloon in the mid 1800's.
In 1971, JSBCo. became the first national brewer to self -manufacture aluminum
cans. Schlitz built a 150,000 sq. ft. plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin to produce the
2-piece,12-ounce,all aluminum beer cans. The success of this plant led to the
construction of another in Tampa; beginning operations in 1973.
Schlitz had been ranked as the number
two brewery in the country as late as 1976, but its image was tarnished following
some brewery process changes and bad publicity. Schlitz saw itself passed by Miller
and Pabst, with Heileman in hot pursuit.
On June 10, 1982, the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co. was acquired by Stroh
Brewing Co. of Detroit, and a famous firm and Slogan passed into history.
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