UK: Bacardi to build new Scotch plant

Bacardi has finalised a deal to buy a plot of land in Scotland as part of its expansion plans for the Dewar's Scotch whisky portfolio.

The company said today (8 November) that the 106-acre tract will be developed as a second maturation, blending and storage facility, becoming Bacardi's eighth plant in the country.

The expansion, part of a recently-announced ten-year investment plan of over US$250m in Scotch whisky production, answers the growing demand for the Dewar's range in emerging markets such as Asia, Bacardi said.

The land, which will be located in South Lanarkshire, where no urban development has previously taken place, will accommodate bonded warehouses and a bulk and blend centre capable of housing more than 1m casks. Construction is planned to begin next year, with the first phase set to be operational by January 2009, with an estimated completion date of 2018.

Bacardi vice president of global operations Jon Grey said: "Buying this piece of land in Scotland - known worldwide for its premium whisky - is the cornerstone of one of the most significant investments ever in the Scotch industry. Bacardi has always invested heavily behind our brands and their heritage."

As part of the investment, Bacardi also plans to redevelop an existing site in Parkhead, Glasgow adding new maturation warehouses, a blend centre, and installing new bottling lines and packing equipment.

South Lanarkshire Council Planning Committee chair and councillor Graham Scott added: "This is a very significant development on behalf of an internationally-renowned company which will bring economic benefits to our rural economy and recognition of the appeal of South Lanarkshire as a quality business location."