Two ‘iconic’ Scotch island whisky distilleries to offer redundancy to staff amid downturn
As the downturn in the Scotch whisky industry continues, two popular brands are offering redundancy to staff.
Suntory Global Spirits, the owners of Laphroaig and Bowmore distilleries on Islay, have confirmed that operational adjustments will lead to the merging of production teams at both sites. These changes mean that teams are being offered voluntary redundancy, with no compulsory redundancies taking place.
A spokesperson for Suntory Global Spirits said: “These are responsible, forward‑looking adjustments to balance distillation with maturing inventory and protect the long‑term health of the brands. When asked about how many staff have been offered voluntary redundancy, they added: “It is entirely voluntary, confidential, and supported by HR. It’s simply there as an option for colleagues who feel that the new single‑team structure may not suit their individual needs.”
Suntory confirmed that both distillery visitor centres will remain open and that they are planning a “strong capital investment programme at both distilleries over the next three years, as part of a long‑term confidence in the brands and in Islay”.
Alistair Longwell, head of distilling and environment at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “Bowmore and Laphroaig are iconic Scotch whisky brands with exceptional heritage and craft, and they are long-term priorities for Suntory Global Spirits.
“As part of our commitment to producing whisky of the highest quality in a sustainable and efficient way, we are making operational adjustments on Islay to align production with long‑term demand.
“Distillation continues at both distilleries, and we remain fully committed to Islay, our people, and the communities that have supported these whiskies for generations.”
This move comes just over a year after the Brown Forman-owned Glenglassaugh cut a number of production jobs at the Highland distillery due to its shared production model with sister distillery BenRiach.
Last month it was announced that Diageo would close the visitor centre at Clynelish distillery in Brora, less than four years after a huge renovation and multimillion pound investment in tourism for the ‘four corners’ of Johnnie Walker.
These changes come amid a downturn in the whisky industry which is struggling due to a slowdown in consumption in certain markets, USA tariffs and a post-pandemic market correction. It was recently reported that one in five Scotch whisky distilleries are facing distress.
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