Willett Distillery, announced it would invest nearly $93 million in Washington County to build warehouses and additional production facilities, creating 35 full-time jobs.
To meet the growing demand for the Willett collection of brands, the company is investing nearly $93 million to support projects that include the construction of a new distillery operation, barrel storage warehouses and a water storage area for fire prevention. The project, located at 1170 Mackville Road in Springfield, will see the construction of a 70,000-square-foot facility on 150 acres. Construction of the project is expected to begin in January 2023.
“We are grateful for each person that picks up a bottle of our family’s whiskey,” said Britt Kulsveen, president and chief whiskey officer at Willett Distillery. “It is both humbling and the greatest honor to be included in any celebration. Our intention is always to connect personally with our customers and cheerfully fill their glasses.”
Drew Kulsveen, the master distiller and director of operations of Willett Distillery, added that he appreciates the hospitality the local community shows.
“The Springfield community has graciously welcomed us with the same warmth and attentiveness that we try to show our guests daily,” said Kulsveen. “We are grateful for the kindness and support we have received from the Springfield community and for the continued support of our Bardstown home.”
Founded in 1936, Willett Distillery is a family-owned and operated distillery located in Nelson County, Kentucky. Over the last 86 years, Willett has grown gradually, methodically and responsibly, incorporating the family values of southern hospitality, craftsmanship and compassion in their products and services through the years. Over the last five years, the Willett employee base has nearly doubled. Today, the company employs 67 people that, host more than 80,000 guests annually and distill, barrel and bottle 11 brands that are distributed in 40 states.
Willett Distillery’s investment adds to the commonwealth’s booming bourbon sector, which is a nearly $9 billion signature industry in Kentucky, generating more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $1.23 billion. Since the start of the Beshear administration, more than 60 spirits-related announcements have generated roughly $2.5 billion in new investment, creating more than 1,300 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.
