Walsh Whiskey distillery in Carlow is to create 55 new jobs with a €25 million expansion. It is to build a new craft distillery at Royal Oak along with a new visitors centre. Italian drinks company Saronno is funding the project. The Tia Maria and Disaronno producer will acquire a 50% stake in the the Irishman brand.
"We are...pleased to have attracted a partner like Illva Saronno that, in addition to its global reach and long term vision, shares a similar style and core values that come from being a family-run company.Their experience, traditions and expertise...will be fantastic assets as we set about becoming recognised as one of the leading distillers of premium, craft, Irish whiskey in the world.” said Bernard Walsh, founder of the distillery.
Jobs Minister Richard Bruton told the Irish Independent that this expansion plan would create a large number of jobs "in an area which badly needs them".
Irish whiskey is the fastest selling spirit in the world, growing from 4.4 million cases in 2008 to 6.5 million this year.
