Global Spirits Giant Suntory Scraps Plans to Build $200 Million Whisky Facility

(Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )

Suntory Global Spirits has abandoned plans to build a £150 million ($197.9 million) whisky maturation facility in East Ayrshire, according to BBC.

The proposed site at South Drumboy farm near Kilmarnock had received planning approval in 2024 after Scottish government ministers overruled environmental objections. The facility was expected to store up to 500,000 barrels of maturing whisky and create about 45 jobs.

Suntory, which owns bourbon brand Jim Beam and produces several Scotch whisky labels, said it will redirect investment to another local maturation project. The company did not provide details on the new location or scope.

“While we are no longer progressing with the Kingswell project, we are redirecting investment to a local maturation facility,” the company said in a statement reported by the BBC. “Our investment in Scotland will continue as we remain focused on the long-term sustainability of our operations, brands and contribution to the economy.”

The development had faced local opposition. Residents raised concerns about potential noise, water supply impact and the possibility of mold linked to ethanol emissions from aging whisky barrels.

An anonymous resident told BBC Scotland News they were relieved the project would not move forward, citing concerns about environmental effects and the planning process.

Before approval was granted, a Scottish government planning reporter recommended rejecting the proposal. The reviewer cited concerns about the scale and design of the facility and questioned whether alternative sites had been fully considered.

Scottish ministers ultimately approved the project, stating that the company had provided sufficient justification for the выбран site and that the design exceeded a standard warehousing development.

Suntory Global Spirits produces a range of Scotch whisky brands, including Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Teacher’s, Glen Garioch, Ardmore, and Ardray.