Let’s drink to big warehouse plans

Jan 20 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE Scottish Liqueur Centre is boldly bucking the recession by unveiling ambitious expansion plans for their award-winning Bankfoot operation.

Yesterday, management rolled out a £500,000 redevelopment blueprint for the Perthshire drinks business and visitor magnet.

Managing director Kenny Mackay revealed proposals to create a new bottling hall and warehouse, more than doubling the size of the existing facility hugging the A9.

The existing blending area will be upgraded to cope with growing demand at home and abroad.

The Scottish Liqueur Centre has applied to Perth and Kinross Council seeking planning permission.

The popular visitor centre will also be upgraded and increased in size, creating a new frontage and viewing gallery.

Mr Mackay said work could start on site whenever the green light came through from the local authority.

He said: “Despite the economic gloom all around, we are trying to remain positive and expect to continue to grow our business this year, both at home and abroad.

“We need to improve our facilities in the production area but also we need to improve what we offer customers, both locals and tourists, who come to visit us.”

While no business is immune from the recession, Mr Mackay envisages major opportunities for a niche Scottish company.

He explained: “The weak pound certainly helps in our export markets and we are expecting a major uplift in in-bound visitors from Europe on the tourist side of our business.”

Several new jobs have already been created at the Bankfoot centre.

Last year saw a major increase in business as turnover leapt by over 50%.

Apart from manufacturing brands such as Columba Cream, Bruadar and Ginger Tams, the company now has a thriving contract bottling and production business. It is the only company left manufacturing cream liqueur in Scotland.

A public meeting will be held at The Scottish Liqueur Centre on Thursday, January 22 at 6.30pm, which will include a short presentation and an opportunity to view the plans.