Kentucky-based Bardstown Bourbon Co is planning a 50% increase in distilling capacity by 2024, following its acquisition by private equity firm Pritzker Private Capital last month. The US$28.7m expansion will allow the Bardstown-based producer to increase its annual capacity by 55,000 barrels, while also expanding the size of its facility to around 390,000 square feet. The move is expected to create 29-full time jobs over the next ten years. Other planned improvements include 16 new fermenters, a new distillation column, a hot water processing tank and additional grain handling equipment. The investment will be aided by Kentucky state’s Economic Development Finance Authority, which is providing up to $750,000 in tax incentives in return for the distiller’s investment in the area. “The commonwealth’s investment in Bardstown Bourbon Co will help us increase our distilling ... creating a number of new high-paying jobs and helping small Kentucky-based Bourbon brands grow,” said CEO Mark Erwin. “We are truly grateful for the support of these incentives in helping solidify Bardstown as the ‘Bourbon capital of the world’.” Bardstown Bourbon was founded in 2014 and currently produces Kentucky whiskey, rye spirits and Bourbon for existing brands and craft distillers as well as for its own brands. In 2017, the company upped production capacity at its distillery from the initial 1.5m gallons per year to 6m. Last month, existing management (including current CEO Erwin) teamed up with private equity group Pritzker Private Capital to purchase the whiskey distiller and bottler. Financial terms of the acquisition, from co-founder Peter Loftin, were not disclosed. Why e-commerce is a channel brand owners must target - and fast - Click here for a Just Drinks focus