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Published Date: 04 July 2009
THE announcement by Diageo that it is to close its plant in Kilmarnock (your report, 2 July) is not just a disaster for Kilmarnock; this decision has an impact on the whole whisky industry. The industry is built on tradition and longevity.
Will they change the label to say bottled in Fife since 2011? How can anyone have confidence in the Johnnie Walker brand? What is to stop them bottling in China?

I am also not impressed with the Scotch Whisky Association. They are quick to condemn government decisions like tax rises or minimum pricing while the industry makes decisions for profit alone which could destroy it.

DOUGLAS MUNRO

Wilson Place

Kilmarnock





The full article contains 114 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 03 July 2009 8:47 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

StuartAD,

West Lothian 04/07/2009 08:34:50
The whisky industry is in the business of making money, therefore it should come as no surprise when a company makes decisions based on this simple rule. To maximise profits, not keep the local economy going, that is the job of the government.
When the government talk about raising the stakes in the green industry & wishing to raise more taxes, why keep old systems going when it is obviously better for the company to consolidate & bring it all under one roof.
Salmong thinks everyone is in business to keep him in in power & make him Mr. Popular.
2

GJSpence,

04/07/2009 12:41:19
This is a terrible blow for the town of Kilmarnock - Slowly all the industry in Kilmarnock has been stripped away. Massy Ferguson, Glen Field and Kennedy, Jaeger, Saxone, and now Johnny Walker's. Yes Diageo may own the brand but the town own Johnnie Walkers. JW has been a major employer in the town and there has been a long tradition of association between the town and the brand - Every bottle has gone out the plant with the bottled in kilmarnock statement. This statement means a lot to the people of kilmarnock it means a lot to the people of scotland. Its about tradition and tradition as you know is a corner stone of the whisky business. Diageo may not appreciate what they are doing in the quest for profits - But Johnnie Walkers from anywhere but Kilmarnock wont be Johnnie Walkers. It wont be the same thats for sure. But then who are we to tell such a company how to run their business? If they are going to close Kilmanock then I think the only option left is for the employees to walk out and leave them to do what they want. May aswell as its now a dead dog. Johnnie Walker no more.

 

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