Brown-Forman has taken the decision to consolidate production at two of its scotch whisky distilleries, although neither is set to close.
Speyside’s BenRiach Distillery and Glenglassaugh in the Highlands production region will take on what the group calls a “shared production model”. The arrangement will allow Brown-Forman to “optimise resources and expertise across both distilleries”, a spokesperson said today.
The Jack Daniel’s owner, which acquired the two distilleries and their brands in 2016, clarified claims made this week that the move would result in a closure: “Glenglassaugh Distillery is not shutting down,” the spokesperson added.
“We are implementing a shared production model (for Glenglassaugh) with Benriach, which will involve periods of production alongside occasional silent seasons, as has been the case traditionally,” the company said. “This shared production model, and our ongoing demand planning process, resulted in a small number of redundancies.
“We deeply value the contributions of those impacted and are committed to providing support to them throughout this process.”
Two weeks ago, Brown-Forman lined up a reduction of its global workforce, with almost 650 of its 5,400 employees expected to go. Part of the reduction will come from the closure of the Brown-Forman Cooperage in Kentucky.
