A new production line and facility upgrades have allowed Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd to boost production and recall 10 employees.
The company revealed the new production line on Friday.
“We brought 10 people back from layoff,” says Jim Stanski, vice president of productions. “Those people where on and off layoff for a number of years, so it’s good that they are all back.”
In 2014, Hiram Walker announced it was investing $8 million to upgrade the facility, including a $1 million investment from the provincial government.
The investment went towards expanded bottling capabilities for an additional thirteen new bottle formats, including McGuinness and Meaghers liqueurs, and is expected to create a production boost of 230,000 cases per year.
Over the last 10 years, Hiram Walker has invested $80 million in the site.
"The new production line is an example of how we continue to change with the times and innovate to meet increasing customer demand for premium spirits, both in Canada and around the world," said Patrick O'Driscoll, President and CEO of Hiram Walker.
The Hiram Walker facility has more than 280 employees. Officials say the new production volume provides added job stability for workers.
Hiram Walker also supports the Essex and Kent counties' agriculture industry by purchasing 4.2 million bushels of local grain a year.
With the new production line, the Hiram Walker facility is now bottling the following well-known Corby Spirit & Wine spirits and liqueur brands:
• McGuinness Liqueurs (375 ml and 750 ml)
• Meaghers Liqueurs (375 ml and 750 ml)
• Old Canada (700 ml)
• Special Old (1l)
• Lot 40 (750 ml)
• Pike Creek (750 ml)
• Polar Ice Vodka (1l and 1.75l)
• J.P. Wiser's 18 YR Old (750 ml)
• J.P. Wiser's Legacy (750 ml)
• J.P. Wiser's (700ml for international markets)
• J.P. Wiser's Deluxe (375 ml glass)
• Nostra Nera Black Sambuca (750 ml)
• Barclay's Brandy (750 ml)
