Suntory Global Spirits has confirmed it will combine the operational teams at its two Islay whisky distilleries, Bowmore and Laphroaig, into a single unit to align production with long-term demand. The restructuring includes a voluntary redundancy program for staff at both Scottish distilleries, though the company has stressed there will be no compulsory job losses.
The structural change follows traditional seasonal operating models used across the Scotch whisky industry, according to the company.
Suntory said it is in a formal process and is unable to comment on specific numbers affected by the reorganization.
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READ THE STORYAs reported by The Scotsman, Suntory Global Spirits said: “These are responsible, forward-looking adjustments to balance distillation with maturing inventory and protect the long-term health of the brands.”
The voluntary redundancy program is open to employees at both distilleries who feel the new single-team structure may not suit their individual needs.
“It is entirely voluntary, confidential, and supported by HR. It’s simply there as an option for colleagues who feel that the new single-team structure may not suit their individual needs,” the company said.
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Despite the changes, Suntory confirmed it has no plans to close either distillery. Both Bowmore and Laphroaig will continue producing whisky and remain strategic priority brands for the company.
“Distillation continues at both Bowmore and Laphroaig. We are indeed making adjustments to production volumes to align with long-term demand and maturing inventory, as many Scotch producers are doing,” the company added.
Alistair Longwell, head of distilling and environment at Suntory Global Spirits, emphasized the company’s commitment to both sites.
“Bowmore and Laphroaig are iconic Scotch whisky brands with exceptional heritage and craft, and they are long-term priorities for Suntory Global Spirits,” Longwell said. “As part of our commitment to producing whisky of the highest quality in a sustainable and efficient way, we are making operational adjustments on Islay to align production with long-term demand.”
He added: “Distillation continues at both distilleries, and we remain fully committed to Islay, our people, and the communities that have supported these whiskies for generations.”
Visitor centers at both Bowmore and Laphroaig will remain open. Suntory also confirmed an capital investment program at both distilleries over the next three years, signaling long-term confidence in its Islay distilleries despite market turbulence.
The move comes amid broader production adjustments across the Scotch whisky sector. Many producers are recalibrating output to match evolving global demand and manage maturing inventory levels.
The news also arrives just weeks after Diageo announced it would close the visitor center at its Clynelish distillery in Brora. That closure came less than four years after a major renovation and multimillion-dollar investment in tourism infrastructure.
Suntory Global Spirits acquired Bowmore and Laphroaig as part of its purchase of Beam Inc. in 2014. Both Islay distilleries are celebrated for their distinct peated single malt styles and attract thousands of visitors annually.
