Speyburn is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, which is owned by International Beverage Holdings. The distillery investment will increase Speyburn’s production capacity from 1.8 million litres to more than 4 million litres each year, allowing the business to lay down stock for predicted future growth in both established and emerging markets. According to a statement, the brand’s volume growth is forecast at 15% for the 2013/2014 period.
The expansion design is expected to “significantly reduce the distillery’s energy consumption per litre of alcohol and improve its carbon footprint, with predicted energy savings of more than 20% once the extended distillery is up and running”.
Rothes-based whisky specialists Forsyths have been contracted to manufacture all new production equipment and Elgin-based construction company Robertson is to undertake some elements of the project.
Inver House Distillers’ managing director Graham Stevenson said: “As we continue to be very optimistic about the long term potential for Scotch whisky, particularly in the emerging BRIC, African and South East Asian economies, investment in our production capabilities is crucial. Having the infrastructure in place to produce our high quality whiskies in greater quantities will be key to the future success of our brands, so we are delighted to see the first phase of this major programme of work get underway at Speyburn Distillery.”
