ISC to cut 112 jobs at Kentucky cooperage
The Independent Stave Company (ISC) has filed a notice stating that 112 jobs at its facility in Lebanon, Kentucky, are at risk.
Kentucky Cooperage KYC filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (Warn) notice on 19 August, regarding its manufacturing facility in Lebanon. It said: “KYC has concluded that it, unfortunately, must significantly reduce its employment at its Lebanon manufacturing facility located at 712 E Main St, Lebanon, KY 40033. The entire plant will not be closed, but we expect that the job losses listed with this letter will be permanent.”
The job losses will be made within 14 days, beginning 19 October.
Of the 112 jobs at risk, 90 are in production.
A spokesperson for ISC said: “We made a strategic decision to consolidate operations to a single shift at Kentucky Cooperage. This step is part of a well-thought-out plan to ensure long-term strength and stability while staying aligned with current market demand.
“We regularly evaluate our network of cooperages and mills too maximise efficiently and operate sustainably. These efforts allow us to maintain reliable supply, protect quality, and keep pricing competitive. Quality and service remain top priorities, and we preserve the flexibility to quickly scale production as market needs evolve.”
Earlier this year, ISC purchased Brown-Forman’s Louisville cooperage for US$13.66 million. The sale was made by a newly formed company, Kentucky Cooperage Investments. However, the company said it had no current plans to restart production at the site.
The move signals a further downturn for the barrel-making industry. When Brown-Forman sold its cooperage, it claimed it would source barrels from an external supplier ‘to ensure a steady supply of the same high-quality barrels at a competitive price’.
Many in the industry are questioning the cask regulations around Bourbon, with a shortage of new oak potentially on the horizon.
Conversely, Trossachs Cooperage in Stirlingshire, Scotland, has been backed by a £1.3m (US$1.75m) investment. Its aim is to reignite the craft of coopering.
Related news
White Claw owner to axe 143 US jobs
