Beam Global Spirits & Wine Announces Plans to Increase Operations in Kentucky

Paula Erickson                                                 

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.                    

847-444-7590                                                

Paula.Erickson@BeamGlobal.com                   

 

Clarkson Hine

Fortune Brands

847-484-4415

 

 

Deerfield, Ill. – November 17, 2009 – Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the premium spirits business of Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO), today announced plans that will enhance the efficiency of its U.S. bottling operations. In 2011, the company will transition production of DeKuyper® cordials and other spirits bottled in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Beam Global facilities in Frankfort and Clermont, Ky. The initiative will reduce the company’s U.S. bottling operations from four facilities to three, with the Cincinnati plant discontinuing operations in the second half of 2011.

 

“It’s imperative to capitalize on opportunities that make our operations more efficient and enhance our competitive position,” said Ian Gourlay, Beam Global’s senior vice president of global operations and supply chain. “Our Kentucky facilities in Frankfort and Clermont have the capability to absorb the bottling activity currently performed in Cincinnati as well as the potential to accommodate higher volumes in the future. Reducing our U.S. bottling operations from four facilities to three will efficiently utilize our capacity and simplify our supply chain.” 

 

“While we will be adding jobs in Kentucky, it’s important to underscore that the decision to consolidate our U.S. bottling facilities in 2011 is no reflection on the dedication and hard work of our associates in Cincinnati,” Gourlay said. “We are committed to working with them to ease the transition as these plans progress over the next two years, and we hope that many will be interested in employment at our Kentucky operations.” 

 

As a result of this initiative, Beam Global expects by the end of 2011 to add approximately 120 new jobs in Kentucky and invest in technology upgrades at its Frankfort plant. In Kentucky, Beam Global operates distilleries with bottling capability in Clermont, Frankfort and Loretto, as well as a distillery in Boston, Ky.

 

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, EFFEN® Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company recently named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

 

© 2009 Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Deerfield, Ill.

 

 

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