Two Baltimore-based breweries, Key Brewing Company and Monument City Brewing, are merging to improve efficiency and expand their product lines.The breweries are forming a strategic partnership to create a unified Baltimore brewing platform. At the same time, however, they will maintain their independent and separate brands and product lines.Key Brewing will move production to Monument City’s 1 N. Haven Street location in Highlandtown. Key Brewing’s Dundalk taproom, located on Grays Road, will remain open through the end of October.“We’re brewing something big for Baltimore and we’re stronger together,” said Ray Schissler, partner of Key Brewing. “For 10 years, we’ve called Dundalk home and our relationships with Eastern Baltimore County’s vibrant communities will continue. The majority of our customers will not notice any changes and we hope our regular taproom customers find their way to our new taps at 1 N. Haven Street. It’s an exciting and changing time for breweries not only in Maryland, but around the country. The key to thriving for us is innovating and building our customer base and this partnership is an incredible opportunity for both of our companies.”The merger will not impact customers’ ability to find their favorite beers of either brand at local stores, restaurants, music venues, and stadiums. Nor will the strategic partnership result in any job losses. In fact, the partnership will create future employment opportunities.“The craft beer industry has seen some significant changes over the past four years. As independent breweries, we need to be creative, evolve and meet the needs of our customers and communities,” said Ken Praay, founder and CEO, Monument City Brewing. “This strategic partnership of two strong and seasoned brands not only will allow our companies to take advantage of production efficiencies and shared resources, but we’re stronger together and will have the opportunity to expand our product lines, innovate new products and serve our community for years to come.”Monument City Brewing Company was started in 2014 by brothers Ken and Matt Praay. They’re known for their flagship beer, 51 Rye IPA. The brewery operates a 17,000-sq.-ft. facility in Highlandtown, with an taproom that opens to the German-designed brewhouse in a historically industrial building in Southeast Baltimore.Key Brewing is named after Francis Scott Key and has been operating in Eastern Baltimore County for nearly a decade. Their approach to craft beer reflects their core mindset that there should be nothing complicated or intimidating about craft beer. Key’s brewers “emphasize a thoughtful yet straightforward approach and commitment to the highest quality,” reads the press release announcing the merger.For more information, visit their websites at Key Brewing and Monument City Brewing.