Fort Collins-based New Belgium Brewing said today it will build a new brewery in Asheville, N.C.

The $175 million facility will be just the second brewery for the nation’s third-largest craft brewer.

New Belgium said the new brewery will help it serve new markets and reduce the cost and environmental impact of cross-country distribution.

“After several years of searching, we are incredibly excited to have landed in Asheville,” Kim Jordan, chief executive and co-founder of New Belgium, said in a statement. “From the deep sense of community to the rich natural environment and the opportunity to revitalize a brownfield site near a vibrant downtown, Asheville has everything we’ve been looking for in a location for our second brewery.”

The 400,000-barrel brewery and packaging facility will be built on 17.5 acres in Asheville’s River Arts District.

The brewery will launch production in early 2015 with 50 new jobs and ultimately will employ 154 workers by the time it is fully built out in 2020.

“Today’s announcement by New Belgium will enhance the craft brewery cluster that is growing in North Carolina,” said North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue in a statement. “The jobs and investment the company is committing will be a major boon for the region and for the state.”

Asheville economic development officials said the brewery’s average annual wage will be more than $50,000, plus benefits, exceeding Buncombe County’s average wage by 43 percent.

Like the Fort Collins brewery, the Asheville facility will be open to the public for tours and tasting.

New Belgium’s Fat Tire Amber Ale is the flagship brand among several year-round and seasonal brews. It distributes to 28 states and the District of Columbia.

Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com