Mr Cairns began the “mash process” which will produce more than 264,000 pints of Budweiser.

Based neat Newport, Magor Brewery – which also makes Stella Artois – is producing huge quantities of beer ahead of a huge summer of sport including not only Euro 2016 but also the Wimbledon tennis championships, of which Stella Artois is the official beer partner.

So far this year, the brewery has produced more than 500 million pints of beer in 2000 batches – a fifth up on the same period for 2015.

Mr Cairns – who is attending the Wales Slovakia game this weekend – predicted that thirsty TV sports fans would keep the brewery at full throttle.

Alun Cairns said:

Wales’ first game against Slovakia – together with rising temperatures at home – are a combination certain to keep the production lines whirring.

Magor Brewery is a great Welsh success story. Companies like AB InBev are helping to keep the Welsh economy fizzing – just like their beer.

AB InBev is one a number of thriving companies based near the M4. Opened in 1979, it more employs more than 300 people and indirectly supports around 7,500 local jobs.