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Aberdeen brewer Fierce Beer is set to double brewing capacity with a move to new premises after securing a £400,000 investment from Southern Cross Beverages.

The company, founded in 2015 by former oil industry workers Dave Grant and David McHardy, started out making home brewing kits before moving into dedicated brewing premises at Kirkhill Industrial Estate in May 2016.

The investment from Southern Cross Beverages, in return for a 20 per cent stake in Fierce, marks the first UK investment for the company, which is reported to have interests in other drinks brands across Europe and Africa.

Companies House records show Southern Cross Beverages was incorporated in London on 22 August.

The company was launched by US investor John Murphy and South African investors Derek Szabo and Russell Boltman,

Szabo and Boltman are also listed as directors in Devil's Peak Brewery Ltd, which was incorporated in London in July.

Szabo and Boltman are also directors in Cape Town-based Devils Peak Brewing Company.

Fierce said the investment, which comes just 18 months from launch, will see it double brewing capacity to 600,000 litres per annum with plans to consolidate three sites across Dyce in a new 13,000 sq ft premises.

Aberdeen City Council is helping the company to find a new premises, and will purchase a property to lease back to fierce.

Fierce said the new investment will fund capital investment in new brewing equipment, and further down the line the company plans to open a taproom and bottle shop at its new site.

Southern Cross Beverages and Fierce are reported to have previously worked together on brewing projects in the UK and in South Africa.

Dave Grant, co-founder and managing director of Fierce Beer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Southern Cross Beverages into the Fierce family.

“As well as the investment capital, they bring a wealth of knowledge of growing craft beer businesses.

“We are very excited to be able to plan ahead for future growth and expansion to meet demand for our beers, and also move towards in-house canning.”

A spokesperson for Southern Cross Beverages added: “The key to a successful partnership of this nature is shared common goals as to the company’s direction, which will always be centered around thought-provoking beers.

“We look forward to the journey together with Fierce. What the team have created in such a short space of time is amazing.”