Cidermaker rides wave of growth

MIDDLEBURY — Green Mountain Beverage’s (GMB) dramatic expansion plans started coming to fruition last week with the delivery of three enormous apple juice holding tanks, the first phase of a major growth blueprint for the nation’s largest hard cider producer that is to include a 7,400-square-foot addition at its Pond Lane plant next year.

The growth spurt comes in wake of the Middlebury selectboard’s decision this past winter to waive sewer and water tap-on fees for GMB’s planned building addition, which will primarily feature new offices, a conference room and visitors’ center.