New line helps meet rising demand for premium spirits and builds on 150+ year investment in Windsor community
WINDSOR, ON, Feb. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - Hiram Walker & Sons Limited celebrated the addition of a new production line today at the Hiram Walker facility in Windsor, Ontario. The new line and facility upgrades have expanded bottling capabilities for an additional thirteen new bottle formats, including McGuinness® and Meaghers® liqueurs, and is expected to create a production boost of 230,000 cases per year.
In 2014, Hiram Walker announced it was investing $8 million to upgrade the facility, including a $1 million investment from the Ontario Government's Rural Economic Development Initiative. The exciting changes allow the plant to efficiently produce small production volumes and build greater flexibility for new product innovation. Over the last 10 years, Hiram Walker has invested $80 million in the site.
"Hiram Walker is a North American centre of innovation. The new production line is an example of how we continue to change with the times and innovate to meet increasing customer demand for premium spirits, both in Canada and around the world," said Patrick O'Driscoll, President and CEO of Hiram Walker. "This exciting milestone in the company's history is reflective of the strength of our business and dedicated employees, the support from the Government of Ontario and our partners, and our continued commitment to the Windsor community.
The new production line was honoured today by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Hiram Walker executives and employees and invited guests at a press conference at the Hiram Walker facility. With more than 280 employees, the Hiram Walker facility is one of Windsor's largest employers. The new production volume provides added job stability for workers. Hiram Walker & Sons also currently supports the Essex and Kent Counties' agriculture industry by purchasing 4.2 million bushels of local grain annually.
"The Hiram Walker facility has been a pillar of the Windsor manufacturing community for more than 150 years and this investment strengthens the local community and agricultural industry," said Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor. "The new production line creates new opportunities for Hiram Walker, which will contribute to Windsor's growth and prosperity."
"Our government is proud to support innovation and growth in Ontario's food and beverage processing sector," said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Upgrades to Hiram Walker's facility will not only support good jobs in the Windsor area, they will also benefit local farmers by providing them with a market for their products."
With the new production line, the Hiram Walker facility is now bottling the following well-known Corby Spirit & Wine spirits and liqueur brands:
About Hiram Walker
Established over 150 years ago, Hiram Walker & Sons Limited's tradition of blending quality ingredients, processes and highly skilled people continues at the Windsor, Ontario based production facility. Hiram Walker is a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard S.A., a leading global spirits and wine company with premium international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet® and Ballantine's® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and Jacob's Creek® and, Wyndham Estate® Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo® and Graffigna® wines. Hiram Walker produces brands such as, J.P. Wiser's®, Lot 40®, Pike Creek® and Royal Reserve® Canadian whiskies, Polar Ice® vodka, Malibu® and Lamb's® rums, and McGuinness® and Criollo® liqueurs for Canadian distribution by its affiliate, Corby Spirit and Wine Limited.
SOURCE Hiram Walker & Sons Limited
Image with caption: "Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and Hiram Walker President Patrick O'Driscoll officially honour the new production line in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (CNW Group/Hiram Walker & Sons Limited)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150206_C4330_PHOTO_EN_11895.jpg
Amandine Robin, Director, Communications, Public Relations and CSR, Hiram Walker and Sons Limited, Email: [email protected], Direct: 416-479-2492
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