Sazerac to expand manufacturing facility in Indiana
Sazerac is set to expand its facilities in New Albany, Indiana, with plans to purchase a new manufacturing site.
Sazerac hopes to expand its production in New Albany, Indiana
The Buffalo Trace owner plans to purchase the former General Mills Pillsbury Plant, on Pillsbury Lane in New Albany, which has been vacant since the site closed in 2016.
Jeff Conder, vice president of manufacturing for Sazerac, said: “We’re excited about the possibility of expanding our operations into Southern Indiana.
“Our contacts at the State of Indiana, the City of New Albany and the local economic development organisation, One Southern Indiana, have been great partners to work with throughout this process.
“If all goes well, we look forward to getting our construction underway at the new facility, then on to staffing and running our new plant.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has offered Sazerac up to US$900,000 in conditional tax credits and up to US$150,000 in training grants from the Skills Enhancement Fund. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Indiana workers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim any incentives.
Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, said: “We’re excited to welcome Sazerac to the Hoosier state as it establishes its first facility here, increasing its manufacturing footprint and creating good jobs in southeast Indiana.”
The New Albany City Council will vote on final approval of the company’s local incentives next week, with the US$66 million project reliant upon the council’s approval.
Should these incentives be granted, Sazerac anticipates starting operations in November with a staff of approximately 50 new employees.
Sazerac estimates the 460,000-square-foot facility will be fully operational by the close of 2021. When fully staffed, the site will have 110 workers in total.
“We’re so pleased we’ve been able to invest in our facilities as we have grown our brands. Extending our manufacturing footprint into Indiana will support future growth,” added Conder. “The business-friendly environment and the proximity of this facility to our three Kentucky plants make it an ideal location.”
Pending local incentive approval, the purchase is expected to be completed by 11 June. Details of the purchase price have not been disclosed.
In May 2016, Sazerac announced it was to invest US$200 million to expand its Buffalo Trace Distillery to meet demand.
