Facility provides full bottling, packaging capabilities for all Gruppo Campari U.S.-distilled spirits
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (Sept. 10, 2013) – Gov. Steve Beshear today joined community leaders and company officials from Wild Turkey brand-owner Gruppo Campari at the Wild Turkey Distillery to celebrate the grand opening of its new, 145,000-s.f. packaging facility on the company’s Lawrenceburg site.
The facility is part of a more than $100 million overall investment the company has made in facility upgrades during a three-year time span. First announced in 2012, the new packaging site will allow Wild Turkey to have full control of its entire production, from distilling to aging and bottling, all in Lawrenceburg, where the famous brand began in the 1800s. The expansion creates up to 62 new jobs and results in a $43 million investment.
“Kentucky’s Bourbon industry has been growing at a rapid pace, with production of our native spirit up more than 120 percent in the last decade and 5 million barrels currently aging in the commonwealth,” Beshear said. “The significant investment Gruppo Campari has made at the Wild Turkey Distillery, including the $43 million Packaging Facility, will not only help grow that number through worldwide expansion of the Bourbon category, but will also create valuable jobs for the people of our great commonwealth.”
Since purchasing the Wild Turkey brand in 2009, Gruppo Campari has made significant financial commitments to the distillery’s operations, surpassing more than $100 million in investments. In 2011, the company unveiled a $50 million expansion at the distillery, more than doubling the plant’s production capabilities. This was coupled with the opening of multiple new barrel warehouses over the past several years. In 2014, Wild Turkey will open a new state-of-the-art visitor center.
“After a seven-year absence, we are pleased to bring packaging capabilities back to the Wild Turkey Distillery for two of Gruppo Campari’s biggest and fastest growing brands,” said Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO of Gruppo Campari. “By owning the full production process for all of our Wild Turkey brands, we can be more nimble in meeting the growing worldwide demand for not only Wild Turkey, but also SKYY Vodka. We thank the Commonwealth of Kentucky for its cooperation in bringing this facility to life.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the packaging facility project for tax incentives up to $2 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program and up to $350,000 in Kentucky sales tax refunds through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act.
“Gruppo Campari’s commitment to its premier Wild Turkey Bourbon has shown itself to be more than hollow words or promises; it is proven in the concrete, steel and new jobs that have come to Wild Turkey Hill,” said Lawrenceburg Mayor Edwinna Baker.
“Today’s announcement is further proof that the bourbon revolution is real and ready for a spirited future,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. “Our legendary distilleries are posting landmark production levels, investing millions in new facilities and experiencing double-digit growth in sales. Kentucky is the one, true and authentic home for Bourbon, and we’re proud of the growing global success of our iconic distilleries and time-honored craft.”
For more information on Wild Turkey, visit wildturkey.com.
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