Millions of dollars in changes have been set aside for a major expansion at the Jack Daniel's Distillery.
$140 million worth of upgrades are underway at the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg. The investment will be used to construct two new barrelhouses, modify and expand the existing bottling facility, and renovate the Visitor Center.
Last year, more than 275,000 guests from around the world took the free tour at the distillery. Master Distiller Jeff Arnett said a large part of the project focuses on improving the consumer experience.
“I’ve been here for 15 years and I don’t know that we’ve ever been busier than we have in the last year or so,” said Arnett. “We’re spending nearly $20 million just on things tourists would see here.”
Arnett said the historic Motlow house is also being rebuilt to include conference, event and office space.
Construction is now underway throughout the 2,000 acre facility. As a result of the project, 30 new jobs will be created in Moore County.
The Jack Daniel Distillery underwent a separate expansion less than three years ago which included the addition of stills, barrel warehouses and related infrastructure. The project cost $103 million and created 94 jobs.
Arnett said all the changes help ensure the company can meet the demand of a booming whiskey industry.
“The worst thing that could happen is years from now someone goes to their local store and finds that there are no Jack Daniel’s bottles on the shelf,” said Arnett. “We are doing everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
The entire project will take about five years to complete. Construction at the Visitor Center is expected to be done by the Summer. The upgrades to the bottling facility will take about 18 months.
The upgrades come in conjunction with Jack Daniel’s 150th anniversary.
For more information on visiting Jack Daniel’s Distillery during its 150th anniversary visit: http://www.jackdaniels.com/visit
