A new multi-million distillery and fine alcohols distribution facility outside Rugby, UK has reached a major milestone, helping a major producer of gin move closer to expansion.
The business, Alcohols Ltd Langley Distillery, is nearing completion on its new multi acre site. The development of the new warehouse and distillery was supported by an eight-figure funding package from Lloyds Bank.
Alcohols Ltd Langley Distillery – one of the UK’s leading independent producers of gin and the home of Palmers London Dry Gin – creates around 75% of Britain’s artisan gins by distilling botanicals, which is then supplied to brand owners around the world.
The concentrate is distilled to 80% ABV in large copper stills, and the new facility will allow the business to relocate its 12,000 litre still – named ‘Jenny’ and investing in a new 15,000 litre still – ‘Natalie’, one of the largest in the world. Combined, they have the capacity to produce around 500,000 bottles of gin each day. Alongside a handful of smaller stills, Langley’s distillery will be responsible for more than 120 million bottles of gin worldwide every year.
From its new site, Langley will expand its distribution business, which supports boutique brands and micro distilleries with grain spirit required to produce gin. The business is also now exploring innovative new production techniques, as well as looking to grow its manufacturing capability across beverage categories.
Alcohols Ltd Langley Distillery is owned by parent company WH Palmer, a family business founded in Old Street, EC1 East London in 1805, and the new site will also be utilised by another of the business’s subsidiaries, Alcohols Limited. It produces fine alcohol products which are used for a large number of daily uses, including for personal care products such as perfume and hairspray, and pharmaceuticals and paints and coatings. The business also helps to sustainably source products for major multinationals, to boost their efforts to and help them comply with net zero.
Adam Wallis, Managing Director of WH Palmer, said: “There’s been a notable boom in demand for gin in recent years, as Britain’s taste for more varieties and flavours of gin has blossomed. This new facility is a product of that and illustrates the scale of the market that we’re looking to support.
“WH Palmer has been operating for 200 years and being the fifth generation of the family to run the business, I’m proud of its heritage that we’ve continued to champion to this day. Our new hub in Rugby marks a major milestone in the history of WH Palmer and our family, and promises an even more exciting future ahead for the business as we continue to diversify and help major brands achieve growth too.
“The guidance and support from the Lloyds Banking team has been invaluable in helping to deliver this project, and allowing the group to diversify and build on the heritage, and not possible without the fantastic support of our employees, partners and all stakeholders.”
Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby and Bulkington, said: “I was very pleased to be able to visit Alcohols Limited’s site here in Rugby and see the progress they are making. Attracting new business investment is key to growing our local economy and I was delighted to hear about their plans to create new jobs in Rugby.”
Andy Henning, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “WH Palmer, through its various brands and specialisms, highlights the skill and ingenuity of Britain’s businesses, and demonstrates the sheer worldwide reach we have on our doorstep.
“Despite the somewhat downbeat mood music surrounding the UK economy at the moment, investing for the future is still on the cards for many businesses and driving growth is a strong way of mitigating economic headwinds. We’re committed to remaining by the side of businesses as they navigate the current challenges and pursue growth wherever possible.”
