Brown-Forman confirms redundancies as Glenglassaugh Distillery adapts to market shifts
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Glenglassaugh Distillery’s current situation
In a significant development for the whisky industry, Glenglassaugh Distillery, located near Portsoy in Aberdeenshire, has announced a temporary pause in production and made some staff redundant. Owned by Brown-Forman, the distillery confirmed these changes as part of its ongoing planning process aimed at optimizing operations in response to market dynamics.
Despite the production halt, Glenglassaugh Distillery reassured stakeholders that it is not permanently closing its doors. The distillery will continue to operate under a “shared production” model with BenRiach, another distillery owned by Brown-Forman located in Elgin.
This collaborative approach allows both facilities to manage resources more effectively while navigating the challenges posed by the whisky market.
Industry trends and operational adjustments
The whisky industry has seen fluctuations in demand, prompting distilleries to adapt their production strategies. Glenglassaugh’s spokesperson emphasized that such “silent seasons” are not uncommon in the industry, allowing distilleries to optimize their operations. The spokesperson stated, “This shared production model, and our ongoing demand planning process, resulted in a small number of redundancies.” The company is committed to supporting those affected during this transition.
Impact on staff and community response
Reports indicate that the redundancies will impact fewer than five employees, reflecting a cautious approach to workforce management amid uncertain market conditions. Former production operator Tijay Salhotra shared his experience on social media, expressing gratitude for his time at Glenglassaugh while acknowledging the challenges faced by the distillery. He noted, “It’s not closing for good and it should restart towards the end of the year.” Salhotra’s sentiments resonate with many in the whisky community, who remain hopeful for the distillery’s future.
Commitment to quality and customer support
Despite the current challenges, Glenglassaugh Distillery maintains its commitment to producing exceptional whiskies. The company expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from its customers and markets worldwide, emphasizing that its dedication to quality remains unwavering. As the distillery navigates this transitional phase, it aims to emerge stronger and more resilient, ready to meet the demands of whisky enthusiasts.
