Diageo hat am letzten Mittwoch im Rahmen einer kleinen Feier den Grundstein für die geplante Lebanon Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky gelegt – über deren Planung haben wir ja schon im letzten Dezember berichtet. Man will dort eine Anlage bauen, die 45.6 Millionen Flaschen im Jahr für Bulleit und andere Marken produzieren und abfüllen, das ist nur knapp unter der Kapazität von Wild Turkey und zum Beispiel das 50-fache der neuen Old Forester Distillery.
Besucherzentrum will man übrigens dort keines bauen, denn ein solches hat man für Bulleit schon anderswo errichtet. Produktionsbeginn in der Lebanon Distillery soll 2021 sein.
Hier die englischsprachige Pressemitteilung zum Spatenstich:
Diageo breaks ground on new Lebanon, Kentucky distillery
LEBANON, Ky. (July 17, 2019) – Diageo broke ground today on its new $130 million distillery in Marion County’s Lebanon, Kentucky. Diageo executives joined Marion County elected and community leaders to celebrate the milestone and view the facility’s first public renderings. The “Diageo Lebanon Distillery” is expected to be fully operational in 2021.
The facility, sitting on an approximately 144-acre property at “100 Bourbon Drive” will include a 72,000 square-foot distillery and dry house, as well as 12 barrel warehouses. As previously announced, the site will have the capability to distill a variety of Diageo bourbon and American whiskey brands.
“Today marks a significant moment in Diageo’s continued commitment to the Kentucky spirits industry, as we officially begin construction on the Diageo Lebanon Distillery and become a member of the Marion County community,” said Erik Snyder, president, North America Supply and Procurement for Diageo. “We are appreciative of the county, city, state and community leaders, and the support they have shown in our journey to this day.”
Once open, the Diageo Lebanon Distillery will employ approximately 30 full-time team members. Since 2014, Diageo has invested more than $300 million in Kentucky. This facility will supplement the company’s other Kentucky operations: Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, and The Bulleit Distilling Company and Visitor Experience in Shelbyville, which collectively employ more than 100 additional people.
“Diageo is providing new jobs and business growth and investing in our future workforce,” said Lebanon Mayor Gary Crenshaw. “This investment provides a bright future for, and enhances our community’s economic vitality, and we welcome them.”
“One thing I’ve learned about Diageo doing business in Kentucky is that it is focused on environment and sustainability and cares for every community it builds,” said Tom Lund, president, Marion County Economic Development. “We are excited to have Diageo extend its footprint right here in Lebanon.”
