A new destination for craft beer aficionados is officially open in Wareham.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for Stone Path Malt at Kendrick Road was held on Thursday afternoon. The celebration included state and local leaders as well as the duo responsible for bringing the malt processing plant and tap room to one of the town’s industrial parks.

The 30,000-square-foot processing plant had a soft opening in August. Inside the facility grains such as barley are turned into malt, one of the four key ingredients in beer. The week-long process includes sprouting the seeds and then drying them, which preps them for brewing.

Founders Michael Schroth and Mark St. Jean plan to supply home and micro brewers with a variety of malt that offers distinctive aromas and flavors. The lifelong friends invested $3.8 million in the building and equipment used to process the malt.

The facility is one of the largest, independently-owned malthouses on the East Coast, and it is the only one to feature a tap room serving beer brewed with malt made on the premise.

Many applauded the partnership between St. Jean, Schroth and town officials that helped the pair open for business just under a year after purchasing the building.

“I can’t tell you how excited we are to be here in Wareham and manufacturing in Massachusetts,” said St. Jean.

He added that the speed with which they opened was a credit to local officials.

“We designed and built the tap room in about a year,” said St. Jean. “That doesn’t happen without a lot of people rowing in the same direction.”

St. Jean thanked Selectman Peter Teitelbaum, Town Administrator Derek Sullivan, Director of Planning & Community Development Ken Buckland and Building Commissioner David Riquinha for their efforts.

State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) said the business should generate interest in Wareham and attract tourists.

“This innovative undertaking is a big deal for Wareham and will definitely help bring people to town,” said Gifford. “We’re glad you picked our town to open this wonderful establishment.”

Selectman Chair Alan Slavin said leaders and officials are committed to working with businesses and making the town attractive for investment.

“We’re looking at what’s best for Wareham in the long term,” said Slavin. “This is an industry that doesn’t have a downside.”

Schroth said he noticed the town’s The Gateway to Cape Cod sign when he first arrived in Wareham. Speaking with Sullivan soon after, Schroth said the town will need a new sign: The Gateway to Craft Beer.

The tap room is now open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Stone Path Malt is located at 11 Kendrick Road.