Spirit of Manchester Distillery looks to expand with £3m investment
The Manchester-base drinks company is finalising plans to develop a new 15,000 sq ft whisky distillery and visitor attraction on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.
The new distillery, which will be developed over the next three years, coincides with the its portfolio diversification as it becomes the 41st English whisky distillery in the UK with the launch of its OnePointSix English Whisky, casked this July.
The new site will aid the production of 500,000 bottles of OnePointSix whisky per year, and will significantly aid UK and international distribution increasing revenues by a forecasted 300%, it said.
Investment opportunities
The company, which was founded in 2016, currently has a £1m distillery in Watson Street, Manchester, which is capable of producing over a million bottles a year of its spirits, which include One-Eyed Rebel Spiced Rum, Forty-Five Vermouth and Manchester Gin.
The distillery will also launch a Founders Club membership scheme and investment opportunities to allow private individual investors interested in the collectibles market to invest in full or quarter whisky casks.
“We are seeking investors who share our passion for the English premium spirits market, and who can help us unlock the potential of the brand equity we have developed over the past six years,” said co-founder Jen Heeley-Wiggins.
Export success
“Our portfolio is one of the most awarded in the UK premium spirits sector, and combined with our clear exporting successes, we have developed a strong and viable business model which is ripe for expansion.”
She said it was a 'pivotal moment' for the business and said it was the right time to bring outside investor expertise on board.
The portfolio expansion marks an accelerated period of growth for the distillery. Earlier this year, the company announced a 200% increase in export sales for 2022, having signed new partnership deals in South America and across Northern Europe for its Manchester Gin range.
The company reported a seven-figure turnover for 2021.
