Scotch whisky crystal manufacturer buys firm

Glencairn Crystal, a manufacturer which creates bottles for luxury Scotch whisky products, has acquired Burns Crystal for an undisclosed sum.

Glencairn, manufacturer of luxury bottles for Scotch whiskies such as Royal Brackla, has acquired Burns Crystal

Paul Davidson, managing director at Glencairn, said both Scottish companies will remain independent.

“As part of our forward planning strategy, we were looking at acquisitions to complement our business and Burns Crystal not only fitted well into our business plans, but provided a great opportunity take a successful brand into the Glencairn stable and activate its full potential,” he said.

“Both brands will remain independent but we see Burns as being very complementary to our own operations in both operational and product range, which will fit well into Glencairn’s plans.”

It was announced in May last year that increasing demand for rare and expensive Scotch whiskies had boosted the sales of Glencairn Crystal, which grew 8% in 2014 to reach £6 million.

To support its growth and ability to continue supplying the whisky trade, Glencairn has invested £1.5m in the acquisition and expansion of a glass decoration facility at its headquarters in East Kilbride.

In recent years, Glencairn has designed the decanters for Balvenie 50 Years Old, Glengoyne 35 Year Old, Glen Grant 50 Year Old, and John Dewar & Sons’ Royal Brackla.