The Diageo facility located in Amherstburg, Ontario, is scheduled for closure in February as part of a strategic move by the company to enhance operational efficiency. This plant is one of the production sites responsible for bottling Crown Royal whisky in Canada. Although the whisky will continue to undergo the processes of mashing, distillation, and aging within Canada, the decision to close the facility aims to shift some bottling operations closer to the large consumer base of Crown Royal in the United States.
In response to the impending closure, the union representing the plant workers, Unifor Local 200, expressed strong opposition and determination to contest the decision. The president of the union, John D’Agnolo, described the news as “shocking and devastating,” emphasizing the significant impact the closure would have on the local community of Amherstburg, where the plant serves as a prominent employer. With 160 workers at the facility, D’Agnolo stressed the importance of fighting to retain the plant and secure the jobs it provides.
The abrupt announcement of the closure without prior dialogue on operational improvements has left the workers feeling blindsided. D’Agnolo highlighted the union’s consistent advocacy for preserving Canadian jobs amidst trade challenges, making the closure particularly distressing. Efforts are being made to engage with plant management to explore potential alternatives to keep the facility operational, with the consideration of seeking financial assistance for affected workers as a last resort.
The closure of the Diageo plant is anticipated to have ripple effects on the local economy of Amherstburg, as noted by Dan Gemus, president of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce. The community is bracing for the economic repercussions, with expectations of reduced spending by affected families impacting local businesses, including restaurants and small enterprises. Gemus expressed concerns over the existing struggles faced by small and medium-sized businesses due to tariffs and escalating costs, casting doubt on the likelihood of successfully overturning the closure decision. However, he emphasized the necessity for collective support from government entities to preserve manufacturing opportunities within Canada.
