Suntory Global Spirits has outlined a proposal to trim the workforce at its two scotch whisky distilleries on the island of Islay.
Citing the need to “align production with long-term demand”, the group said late yesterday (23 February) that it has engaged with employees at the Bowmore and Laphroaig distilleries with a view to moving to what it called a “single operations team” across the two sites. While specific employee numbers were not disclosed, the move is redolent of Brown-Forman’s decision just over a year ago to transition Speyside’s BenRiach Distillery and Glenglassaugh in the Highlands to a “shared production model”.
Production will continue at both Bowmore and Laphroaig, SGS noted, adding that there are no plans for either distillery to be closed. The employee engagement offers voluntary redundancy backed by support from the company’s HR operations.
“Bowmore and Laphroaig are iconic Scotch whisky brands with exceptional heritage and craft, and they are long-term priorities for Suntory Global Spirits,” said head of distilling & environment, Alistair Longwell. “As part of our commitment to producing whisky of the highest quality in a sustainable and efficient way, we are making operational adjustments on Islay to align production with long‑term demand.
“Distillation continues at both distilleries, and we remain fully committed to Islay, our people, and the communities that have supported these whiskies for generations.”
Among SGS’s peers, Diageo suspended the production of malt at its facility in Scotland last year for a minimum of eight months, while in Ireland, Pernod Ricard paused distilling temporarily 11 months ago.
Over in the US, SGS outlined plans just before Christmas to stop operations at the “main” distillery on its James B Beam “campus” in Clermont, Kentucky, for all of this year.
