Campbellsville, Kentucky, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Sazerac Distillers is set to invest over $1.05 billion in a new facility in Campbellsville, Kentucky, creating 50 jobs while also expanding operations in New Albany, Indiana. This expansion reflects the company’s growth strategy amidst an industry downturn. With significant investments approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Sazerac aims to bolster production capabilities and provide local economic benefits through new job creation.
Louisville
Sazerac Distillers, a family-owned spirits company famed for premium bourbons such as Buffalo Trace and Pappy Van Winkle, has announced an ambitious expansion plan totaling over $1.05 billion. This strategic move comes on the heels of recent trends within the American whiskey industry, where many competitors are downsizing.
The New Orleans-headquartered company, which operates in Louisville and has distilleries in Frankfort and Bardstown, Kentucky, is set to invest over $1 billion into a new facility in Campbellsville, located in Taylor County, Kentucky. This project is pivotal for creating local employment opportunities, projected to generate 50 jobs over the next 15 years with an average hourly wage of $33.80, which includes benefits.
To support the new facility, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority has approved $2.75 million in tax incentives. The financial plan for the Campbellsville facility includes approximately $9 million allocated for land, $385 million for construction and improvements, and $625 million for equipment, bringing the total investment well beyond $1 billion.
In addition to the new Campbellsville facility, Sazerac is also planning a $38 million expansion of its operations in New Albany, Indiana. This expansion, managed by Sazerac’s subsidiary Northwest Ordinance Distilling, aims to bolster production capabilities in response to rising demand. It is anticipated that the New Albany expansion will generate 25 new full-time positions at the former General Mills site.
Recent Acquisitions and Growth
Sazerac has shown aggressive growth through acquisitions, having purchased Texas-based Western Son Vodka and Distillery, marking its third acquisition within 18 months. Earlier in 2024, the company also acquired Svedka vodka from Constellation Brands, alongside Buzzballs, a rapidly growing ready-to-drink cocktail brand.
Since revitalizing the old General Mills facility in New Albany in 2017, Sazerac has made substantial investments in the region, leading to significant growth and economic development. This expansion further solidifies Sazerac’s commitment to community support and job creation, illustrating a positive outlook amidst an industry downturn.
Industry Context
The announcement of Sazerac’s expansion comes at a time when various competitors in the American whiskey industry are facing challenges and making cuts. Many distilleries have been forced to downsize due to fluctuating market conditions and an oversaturated market. However, Sazerac appears to be bucking this trend by investing heavily in its production capabilities and increasing its operational footprint.
This major investment showcases not only Sazerac’s growth strategy but also its confidence in the long-term prospects of the spirits industry. As consumer preferences evolve, Sazerac’s diversified portfolio and capacity for expansion position it strongly in the competitive landscape of the bourbon and spirits market.
Conclusion
With ongoing plans to expand both in Kentucky and Indiana, Sazerac Distillers continues to play a significant role in the economic development of the regions in which it operates. The company’s commitment to job creation and investment illustrates a forward-thinking approach in an industry that is currently experiencing downsizing.
FAQ
What are Sazerac’s recent expansion plans?
Sazerac plans to invest over $1.05 billion, focusing on a new facility in Campbellsville, Kentucky, and an expansion in New Albany, Indiana.
How many jobs will be created by the new Campbellsville facility?
Approximately 50 jobs are expected to be created over the next 15 years with an average wage of $33.80 per hour.
What incentives has the Kentucky government provided for the expansion?
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority has approved $2.75 million in tax incentives for Sazerac’s new project in Campbellsville.
What recent acquisitions has Sazerac made?
Sazerac has acquired Western Son Vodka and Distillery, Svedka vodka, and Buzzballs within the last 18 months.
Key Features of Sazerac’s Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $1.05 billion |
| New Facility Location | Cambellsville, Kentucky |
| Jobs Created | 50 jobs in Campbellsville; 25 in New Albany |
| Average Wage | $33.80 per hour |
| Tax Incentives | $2.75 million approved by Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority |
| Last Acquisitions | Western Son Vodka, Svedka vodka, and Buzzballs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sazerac Distillers Unveils $1.02 Billion Investment in Kentucky
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Sazerac’s Expansion Plans
- Wikipedia: Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Kentucky.com: Sazerac New Albany Expansion
- Google Search: Sazerac Distillers
- Lane Report: Sazerac Investing in New Albany
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Whiskey
- PR Newswire: Sazerac Acquires Western Son Vodka
- Google News: Sazerac Expansion
- Just Drinks: Flood Recovery at Buffalo Trace
- WYMT: Legal Action Against Distillery
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