Another jam packed episode of The Manufacturer Podcast. The first episode of our Digital Transformation series looks at the modern day innovations that aid the centuries old craft of whisky making.
Key takeaways
- Whisky making still requires craft and patience – automation exists to augment the process, not change it
- A transformation requires strong and constant communication with the people it’s going to impact
- Whisky is Scotland’s second largest industry, behind energy
- Technological investment and experimentation continues amongst the UK’s more forward thinking manufacturers
- Why are some household products still so noisy?
We went on a visit to Chivas Brothers, part of the Pernod Ricard Group, and to tease an upcoming magazine feature, we get some fascinating insights from Bacardi, owners of John Dewar & Sons. These conversations highlight how traditional distillation and maturation processes remain largely unchanged, while bottling, packaging, logistics and monitoring are increasingly shaped by automation, robotics and data.
At Chivas Brothers’ Kilmalid facility in Dumbarton, the discussion centres on “Project Optimus”, a transformation programme introducing robotics, improved data capture and new production lines to meet growing global demand. Our interview with Sarah Badesha, Head of Engineering, emphasises that digital transformation is not pursued for its own sake; innovation is introduced to solve specific problems, improve efficiency and protect long-term site viability. High-end products like Royal Salute still rely on hand finishing, preserving the craftsmanship behind premium whiskies, while automation supports scale and consistency for global brands such as Glenlivet.
The episode also explores how people are central to successful transformation. Operators were involved in line design, factory acceptance testing and training, supported by a major communications effort to build understanding and ownership.
Further insights come from Bacardi’s Whisky Category Director, Angus Holmes. Again, innovation is key at John Dewar & Sons, and is applied to longstanding challenges such as monitoring “the angel’s share,” which is the spirit that is lost during maturation. Such innovations include experiments with sensors, robotics and even robotic dogs to detect leaks in vast warehouse estates, always with the clear aim of enhancing reliability without altering flavour or craft.
Beyond whisky, the episode includes a few recent news headlines from our Digital Transformation section of the website, covering developments such as Sheffield Forgemasters’ hybrid 3D printing and milling investment.
Over in the US meanwhile, Meta has finalised a major data-centre agreement worth up to $6bn with Corning to supply fibre optic cables for its expanding US data centre network, in a move aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting the company’s AI infrastructure ambitions.
Finally, the episode closes with our regular “Made by a Moron” segment. Hoovers, dishwashers and washing machines, why are they so loud? Can someone in these sectors give us an answer?
Our sponsors for this Digital Transformation series is The Supply Chain Transition Programme.
The West Midlands Investment Zone Supply Chain Transition initiative connects SMEs to a fully funded package of support and opportunities to work with OEMs and Key Customers to innovate, diversify, and help solve new and emerging supply chain challenges across health tech & med tech, smart energy systems, aerospace, modern and low carbon construction, electric light vehicles and battery manufacturing.
Delivered by the Supply Smarter West Midlands Consortium, the initiative provides expert-led diversification road mapping, skills and leadership support, and R&D grants of up to £200,000.
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