Ontario Construction News staff writer
International spirits manufacturer and distributor Diageo is committing $245 million to build a new carbon neutral distillery in Sarnia. The facility will produce Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey brand products. Blending and warehouse operations will also be housed on the 400-acre site.
“A low-carbon world is essential for a sustainable future, so I am thrilled to announce our first carbon neutral distillery in Canada as we continue to build momentum in our journey to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030,” Perry Jones, president, North American Supply for Diageo, said in a news release.
“We celebrate such a significant milestone for our Crown Royal brand, our North American operations, and global footprint.”
The new facility will sit on 400 acres in St. Clair Township in southwestern Ontario, near Sarnia, and will include blending and warehousing operations. It will have the capacity to produce up to 20 million litres of absolute alcohol.
“We are excited about Diageo’s plans to invest in St. Clair Township and to bring positive economic impact to our community. The company’s commitment to building a carbon neutral operation is also aligned with our priorities in ensuring a clean environment in the businesses that are in our community,” Steve Arnold, mayor of St. Clair Township said in a news release.
Work on the site is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2022 and the facility will open in 2025.
Featuring resource efficiency technologies, the distillery will operate on 100% renewable energy.
“Crown Royal is the heart of our whiskey business, as the most valuable whiskey brand. It’s critical when we extend our footprint, that we are committed to creating a more sustainable world,” said Sophie Kelly, senior vice president, Whiskies for Diageo.
“We are thrilled by this new world-class distillery. It will enable us to drive momentum to 2030 and beyond to elevate Crown Royal as a best-in-class whiskey brand that leads innovation in the industry.”