Mr Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist North Antrim Assemblyman and Chairman of the Stormont Employment and Learning Committee, says he hopes the planned £30 million expansion at Bushmills’ famous whiskey distillery leading to up to 20 jobs at the plant could also have a knock-on effect on the local tourist trade with potentially more jobs in that sector.
Assemblyman Swann, who is UUP Chief Whip and North Antrim UUP Chairman, issued his appeal for new jobs after the owner of the distillery in County Antrim lodged plans for a multi-million pound expansion of the facility.
In 2014, the whiskey brand was bought by Mexican headquartered firm, Jose Cuervo. It has now filed a planning application for a new distillery facility which it says will “effectively double production capacity.” The expansion should lead to the creation of up to 20 jobs.
The distillery currently employs around 150 full-time and agency staff. The plan adds that there will also be around £3m of capital expenditure at the facility every year for the next 10 to 15 years.
Assemblyman Swann said: “I am very pleased to see new owner investing in North Antrim.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the commitment by the international parent company which is willing to invest in and commit to the people who have been loyal to the distillery.
“I also hope this new investment will bring new employment, not just for the distillery itself, but can be used as a springboard to being more jobs for the local tourist trade throughout the constituency,” said Assemblyman Swann.
