Michigan malting company expanding to Virginia

Michigan-based Pilot Malt House announced Thursday it is investing $1 million to open a craft malting operation in Loudoun County. The project is expected to create seven jobs.

In a statement, Erik May, owner of Pilot Malt House, said the company was excited to expand to the commonwealth.

“Pilot Malt House, since its inception, has existed to connect farms to breweries and distilleries,” May said. “We will provide the best quality malt to Virginia breweries and distilleries made from Virginia-grown grain made by Virginia-raised folks in a truly Virginia facility.”

Pilot Malt House was founded in Michigan in 2011. The company plans to source more than 2 million pounds of grains from Virginia.  The firm currently provides malt, an important ingredient in beer, to several Michigan and national breweries.  It plans to work with Virginia’s craft brewers, home brewers and distilleries to sell its malts.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe approved a $19,500 grant from the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund for the project, which Loudoun County is matching with local funds.

The state secured the project in April during the 2015 Craft Brewers Convention in Portland, Ore.