BLOOMFIELD - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that Thomas Hooker Brewing Company will be recognized as “Murphy’s Monday Manufacturer”. Named after Reverend Thomas Hooker, one of the original founders of the City of Hartford, Thomas Hooker Brewing Company is a local manufacturer of craft beers that are recognized around the nation. In 2003, the company was founded out of the back of a restaurant in Hartford. After years of increased sales and exponential growth, Thomas Hooker Brewing has since relocated to a larger facility in Bloomfield.  

 

Today, Thomas Hooker Brewery operates out of a combined total space of 18,000 square feet – a massive expansion from their 2,000 square foot facility in Hartford – and distributes their 16 unique beers to suppliers and restaurants around Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, the company produces beer for 5 other breweries located out of state and exports that beer to other markets.  The facility’s 21 floor-to-ceiling-sized brew tanks produce about 1,200 gallons of beer per batch (approximately 14,000 12 oz. beers) and 13,000 barrels annually. Thomas Hooker Brewing employs a team of 15 full-time and 12 part-time Connecticut residents in order to keep up with production and maintain the facility’s gift shop and warehouse. The manufacturer even opened a test brewery at Uncasville’s Mohegan Sun Casino where they produce and try-out new “test” beers that will help the Connecticut-based brewery stay competitive in the crowded craft-beer industry.

 

Since the manufacturer’s inception, Thomas Hooker Brewing has consistently supported the Connecticut community. Not only does the company buy products from local businesses to manufacture their beer, but each year, the brewer sponsors and supports charities around the region. To date, the brewery has contributed their earnings and time to more than 50 organizations across Connecticut. Additionally, the company – which employs 10 individuals with disabilities - is a large proponent of integrating and diversifying the workforce to increase employment opportunities for all Connecticut residents. Thomas Hooker Brewing Company is looking forward to their continued expansion and growth, and hopes to soon move back to Hartford where all of their successes began.  

 

“Thomas Hooker Brewing Company has committed themselves to providing the highest-quality and freshest products, but more importantly, the brewery has committed themselves to a greater purpose – giving back to the community. Whether they’re buying products from local small businesses, employing Connecticut’s hard workers, supporting charitable organizations, or advocating to secure equal opportunities for all, Thomas Hooker Brewing is a Connecticut gem. I’m proud to recognize Thomas Hooker Brewing as Murphy’s Monday Manufacturer and I hope that other Connecticut businesses will follow their lead,” said Murphy.

 

A representative of Thomas Hooker Brewing Company said: “We appreciate Senator Murphy’s recognition and support, not only helping to grow CT manufacturing here at home, but in supporting national legislation that helps our local breweries. Senator Murphy’s attendance as part of the Democratic Senate Outreach Committee at last year’s meeting with small brewers from around the country, shows his commitment to our industry.”

 

The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role throughout Connecticut communities, creating new jobs and accelerating our state’s economic recovery. Today, Connecticut’s 4,602 manufacturers account for 10.2% of the state’s jobs and 87% of the state’s total exports. In order to protect and grow manufacturing jobs in Connecticut, Murphy has introduced two pieces of legislation that aim to strengthen existing standards and prioritize the purchase of American-made goods, the 21st Century Buy American Act and the American Jobs Matter Act.