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News
Chivas Brothers invests in bottling facility
Scotch whisky producer Chivas Brothers has revealed investment plans to improve its bottling site in Kilmalid, Scotland.
The development is set to be the biggest transformation the site has seen since it originally opened following £40 million (US$52.6m) worth of construction.
Given the go ahead over the summer, the investment plans include re-laying and expanding the site’s south car park; improving public transport links and increasing options for employees to travel to work; and rehabilitating the area around the site, for instance making accessible public walkways for Dumbarton residents and protecting habitats in the greenlands.
Initial work began at the start of October with a new north car park built for safer, more convenient employee access from a new entrance on Stirling Road.
Manufacturing director at Chivas Brothers Liam Donegan said: “This is the next milestone on our transformation journey here in Dumbarton, following the upgrades to our state-of-the-art bottling facility last year.
”This investment reflects the continued value and commitment we place on our people, as well as the communities we are a part of – more than half of the people working at the Kilmalid campus are local to the Dunbartonshire area.”
Supporting surrounding land
Beyond the Kilmalid bottling plant itself, the planning permission also incorporates 8.5 acres of surrounding land, which was purchased by Chivas Brothers from Strathleven Regeneration CIC. This work is targeted to benefit the local community.
Bruce Malcolm, chair of Strathleven Regeneration CIC, commented: “We are delighted our most recent land sale has gone to such a major local employer to assist their expansion. It will secure local jobs and create new opportunities for the local area and allow us to re-invest the proceeds for added local impact.
”This sale absolutely cements Dumbarton’s role within the Scottish manufacturing economy.”
Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton constituency MSP, supported Malcom’s statement, and added: “This is very welcome news for the Chivas Brothers operation at Kilmalid, especially for the workforce. Chivas Brothers has a track record of expansion and the employment of more local people on permanent contracts is a real vote of confidence in our area.
”This development cements their commitment to the local economy which will benefit us all for decades to come.”
Owned by Pernod Ricard, Chivas Brothers is one of Scotland’s largest employers with a workforce of 1,800 and is behind some of the world’s best-selling Scotch brands, including Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s.
Pernod Ricard recently announced plans to open a Chivas Brothers distillery on Islay, while also investing £60m (US$76m) to reach carbon-neutral distillation by the end of 2026.