By Lucy Ashton
Dame Jackie Baillie MSP visited the Dumbarton plant of whisky manufacturer Chivas Brothers to view first-hand developments at the world-class Kilmalid site.
The Scotch whisky company has made massive investment in technology at its new state-of-the-art Balloch bottling hall.
It comes as part of the firm’s commitment to the long-standing Kilmalid site – the operator’s biggest bottling plant, producing more than 300 million bottles per year.
Dumbarton constituency MSP Dame Jackie was joined by Provost Douglas McAllister, Labour’s prospective candidate for the West Dunbartonshire seat in the upcoming Westminster election, and they were able to see for themselves the investment the company has made at the site.
Dame Jackie said: “Whisky production is vital to both the Scottish economy and that of Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven.
“The area has a historical connection to whisky production, which is continuing at Chivas Brothers.
“Chivas Brothers is a massive employer locally and I was delighted to see for myself the Balloch bottling hall, which features state-of-the-art, industry-leading lines.
“I hope we can continue to work with Chivas Brothers to benefit the area’s economy.”
Dame Jackie and Douglas McAllister met with Chivas Brothers bosses, including Manufacturing Director Liam Donegan, to tour the new facility and visit packaging and dispatch centres at the site.
Investment has also been channelled into the Leven suite, creating a new and improved arrival experience, bringing more colleagues together to enjoy connection, creativity and conviviality with a café and coffee bar, break out areas, meeting rooms and a range of facilities to relax, refresh and socialise.
More than 1100 permanent workers are employed at Kilmalid.
In 2022, the sale and distribution of Scotch whisky generated £5.3 billion for the Scottish economy.
Douglas McAllister said: “I am delighted that Chivas Brothers has made this investment in Kilmalid and it represents the recognition of the company’s commitment to a long-term future in the community.”
