Distiller to expand again in New Albany
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New Orleans-based Sazerac Co. has announced plans to once again expand Northwest Ordinance Distilling, a distilled spirits bottling facility in New Albany. The company says it will invest $78 million to increase production in what is its third expansion of the facility in as many years.
The company says the project will result in 50 new jobs at the bottling plant, which is located inside the former General Mills Pillsbury plant. It currently employs 350 workers.
Northwest Ordinance says the project will include $25 million in building improvements and $53 million in the creation of four new processing and bottling lines, bringing the total number of lines to 14.
“As Sazerac enters its next phase of growth, the Northwest Ordinance Distilling processing and bottling plant has the capacity and scalability that make it ideally positioned for investment and job creation to address production growth to meet demand,” said James Hartman, plant general manager.
Sazerac purchased the building in June of 2018 and invested $39.5 million in 2020 to expand production. It grew again in 2021 with a $49 million investment.
“The plant now employs more than 350 workers at wages averaging at or above the Floyd County average. With this new announcement following on the heels of significant expansions in each of the last two years, I am excited about the potential for continued success and growth for our friends at Northwest Ordinance Distilling,” said New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan.
Economic development officials from One Southern Indiana say the company was approved for approximately $6 million in tax abatements, which will allow it to phase in its increased real and property taxes over time.
The abatements will save the company about $4 million on real estate taxes over the next 10 years, and nearly $1.9 million in personal property taxes over the next 5 years.
“From locating its new facility in New Albany in 2018, to major expansions in 2020 and 2021, they have demonstrated continued confidence in our workforce, government and community,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana. “Their decision to expand here yet again, and so quickly, is a powerful testament to the people and the business environment of southern Indiana.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. is working to finalize additional incentives to support the company’s continued growth in Indiana.