Diageo has struck a deal to sell the bottling site in Canada it closed – after local criticism – in February.

In a brief statement, the Crown Royal whisky maker said it had found a buyer for the facility in Ontario but did not disclose its identity.

“We can confirm that a purchase sale agreement for the Amhertsburg facility has been signed. The process remains confidential and we are not currently in a position to share details regarding the purchaser,” a spokesperson said. “We will share additional information when appropriate.”

The UK drinks giant announced in August last year that it would close the site “to increase the efficiency and resiliency” of the company’s manufacturing network.

The move sparked criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who threatened to prevent the company from selling Crown Royal products through the province’s state-run outlets.

In February, the Ontario government announced an agreement with Diageo that involved the Guinness owner investing in manufacturing and procurement in the province. Diageo closed the Amhertsburg site later that month.

The agreement between saw Diageo pledge to team-up with a co-packer in Toronto to produce Crown Royal, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan canned RTDs.

The company agreed to worked with a co-manufacturer in Scarborough on “new packaging for pre-mixed beverages”, the Ontario government statement read.

Diageo also made “a commitment to explore options to establish a new Ontario canning facility”.