Amherstburg’s Crown Royal Bottling Facility Faces Closure and Sale
The Diageo-operated bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario, renowned for crafting Crown Royal whisky since 1971, is officially listed for sale as the company prepares to halt operations early next year.
Overview of the Property and Its Market Potential
Situated at 110 St. Arnaud Street near Sandwich Street South and Alma Street, this sprawling industrial complex spans roughly 25 hectares (around 70 acres) and includes eight buildings with a combined area close to 447,000 square feet. The site offers direct rail connectivity,secure yard space suitable for trailer storage,and ceiling heights between 20 to 26 feet-features that make it highly attractive for large-scale manufacturing or logistics enterprises.
Annual property taxes exceed $310,000. Diageo has confirmed an active search for qualified buyers through a structured sales process as part of its strategic realignment.
Diageo’s Strategic Realignment in North America
This closure aligns with Diageo’s broader plan to streamline its supply chain by shifting some bottling operations closer to key U.S. markets. While Canadian mashing, distilling, and aging processes will remain intact at other facilities like Valleyfield in Quebec-which will absorb increased bottling capacity-the Amherstburg plant will cease production.
A Historic Era Comes to a Close
The shutdown marks the conclusion of more than five decades of continuous whisky bottling in Amherstburg-a community deeply intertwined with Crown Royal’s legacy as the early 1970s.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Mayor Michael Prue expressed cautious optimism about attracting new tenants interested in repurposing this meaningful industrial asset once vacated by Diageo. Despite unsuccessful union efforts aimed at preserving local jobs, municipal leaders are actively engaging provincial authorities alongside potential buyers from related sectors.
The mayor noted that several companies within the alcohol industry have shown serious interest; however,any transaction hinges on Diageo finalizing a sale agreement.
Worker Support During Transition
The approximately 160 unionized employees represented by Unifor Local 200 recently approved a closure agreement offering enhanced benefits during this period of change. With an overwhelming majority vote of 89%, workers accepted terms allowing either immediate departure or continued employment until shutdown occurs early next year.
Tensions Surrounding Plant Closure Decision
The declaration has provoked strong reactions from provincial leadership. Premier Doug Ford publicly condemned the closure by threatening removal of Crown Royal products from Ontario liquor stores starting next year-a symbolic gesture he underscored previously when discarding a bottle upon hearing news of the shutdown.
“While we regret losing such an iconic operation locally,” Mayor Prue stated, “we remain dedicated to exploring all possibilities so this vital industrial site continues contributing economically under new ownership.”
A New Beginning for Amherstburg’s Industrial Landmark
This transition signals both an end and opportunity: closing one chapter on half a century of whisky production while paving the way for revitalization through fresh investment aligned with evolving demands within Canada’s manufacturing sector.
