Newark’s Legendary Brewery Eagle Sign to Be Moved as Plant Prepares for Closure
As the 75-year-old Newark Anheuser-Busch brewery closes, its illuminated eagle will be removed. A local and tourist attraction, the sign represents the city’s industrial and brewing history since 2001.
Cranes and workers began deconstructing the massive building. Anheuser-Busch will exhibit the eagle at its St. Louis headquarters for years. The brewery official termed the sign “an important piece of our company’s history” and claimed it will remain once the plant closes.
In early 2026, three sites nationwide will close, including the 1951 Newark Routes 1 & 9 complex. The other factories are in Fairfield, California, and Merrimack, NH. Anheuser-Busch has invested $2 billion upgrading its 100 U.S. facilities in five years. To optimize operations and support its growing brands, the company will shift manufacturing from closed facilities.
Closing staff will be given opportunities elsewhere at Anheuser-Busch. They get severance for not transferring. The company wants a smooth transition for everyone.
The 15-ton eagle, composed of 4,500 feet of neon tubing and 2,000 incandescent lamps, has guided Newark traffic for decades. A tri-state landmark and metropolitan skyline symbol. According to AAA Northeast representative Robert Sinclair Jr., the sign has been “part of the landscape” for centuries and its removal signifies an end.
Goodman North America is buying the land for industrial renovation. The site relocation is part of industrial landscape improvements, but the redevelopment details are uncertain.
As companies modernize and consolidate, the eagle’s removal and Newark plant’s closure signify brewing industry trends. At its headquarters, Anheuser-Busch has conserved and promoted Newark’s brewing tradition, allowing visitors and fans to enjoy this iconic symbol for years to come.
Sources:
- Official Anheuser-Busch Company Statement
- Newark Municipal Records
- AAA Northeast
