The future of the Crown Royal bottling plant in Amherstburg has taken a new turn. Diageo, the spirits company behind the iconic Canadian whisky brand, announced today that it has signed an agreement to sell the southern Ontario facility.
While the deal has been finalized, Diageo is keeping details close to the vest for now. A company spokesperson confirmed the agreement but declined to identify the buyer, stating that more information will be shared "when appropriate."
The Amherstburg plant, located in the historic border town along the Canada-U.S. boundary, became available after Diageo announced its closure earlier this year. That decision resulted in the loss of approximately 200 jobs, sending shockwaves through the local community and sparking a political firestorm.
The closure prompted a strong response from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who initially threatened to remove Crown Royal from provincial liquor store shelves in retaliation. Ford later stepped back from that position after Diageo committed to $23 million in spending within Ontario.
Despite the sale of the Amherstburg bottling facility, Diageo has emphasized its continued presence in Canada. The company maintains bottling and distillation operations in Manitoba and Quebec, and has assured consumers that Crown Royal products will continue to be mashed, distilled, and aged at Canadian facilities.
For the Amherstburg community, the sale raises questions about what comes next for the facility and whether the new owner might bring employment opportunities back to the area. As details emerge about the buyer and their plans for the property, residents and former employees will be watching closely to see what this transition means for the local economy.
