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Beam Suntory opens new Chicago HQ
Jim Beam Bourbon and Courvoisier Cognac owner Beam Suntory has opened its new global headquarters in downtown Chicago.
Beam Suntory’s new HQ is based in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart
The move, first announced in March this year, “underscores” the firm’s “strategic priority” to target consumers in key cities around the world.
Beam Suntory has now relocated its Americas region and global marketing personnel from Deerfield, Illinois, to Chicago, with corporate functions set to follow in 2017. The move is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
The firm’s HQ will now be based on the 16th floor of architectural landmark the Merchandise Mart, situated on the Chicago River in the River North neighbourhood of the city.
“Chicago is one of the world’s greatest cities, and this move underscores our strategic priority of getting closer to our customers and consumers in major cities around the world,” said Beam Suntory chairman and CEO Matt Shattock.
“For a company like ours, with so many brands with heritage measured in centuries and boundless future opportunities, we feel doubly fortunate to set our global business up for continued success in the historic and dynamic Merchandise Mart.”
Beam Suntory, which also produces the Yamazaki Japanese whisky and Maker’s Mark Bourbon brands, has refocused its resources on key international cities as part of its objective to become the “world’s fastest-growing premium spirits company”.
Its new HQ, a refurbished 110,000 square foot space, includes walls made from oak barrel staves, copper designs and a ‘story wall’ marking company milestones, as well as sections named after leading brands.
A bar, which pays homage to Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe and is called Fred’s Rackhouse, will be used for brand education and company events.
Last month, Beam Suntory confirmed plans to invest more than US$1 billion in ramping up its Bourbon production over the next five years.