Brewer Diageo is to build a new factory for the production of Guinness in Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland – the place it was originally made.
Plans are to call it the Arthur Guinness Brewery in homage to its original inventor.
“The choice of the location of the new brewery follows an extensive due diligence and site selection process,” said Gerry O’Hagan, Supply Director for Guinness and Baileys. “The new brewery is part of the single biggest capital investment made by Diageo in its supply infrastructure since the company’s creation 10 years ago and will enhance the cost competitiveness of our global beer operations.”
The popular stout-based beverage, renowned for its inventive advertising campaigns, appreciation of world records and suitability to the palette of its home nation populace, is currently made at St. James Gate Brewery, Dublin. That site, nine miles away from the new one, is to be kept on by Diageo and will also enjoy a redevelopment, the firm said.
Desmond Guinness, family descendant, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the new Arthur Guinness brewery will be built on Guinness land here in Leixlip. It is wonderful to know that the strong historical roots between the Guinness name and Leixlip will endure for generations to come.”
The factory is expected to be operational in 2013. Diageo’s other brands include Red Stripe, Smirnoff, Archers, Tanqueray, Cuervo, Bell’s, Gordon’s and Dom Pérignon.