A NEW chapter for whisky production in Dumbarton was heralded last week as the ground was broken on Chivas Brothers’ £50 million expansion at Kilmalid.

Around 50 employees of the Scotch whisky producer gathered with West Dunbartonshire Council representatives and Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie to celebrate the start of the construction on the new bottling hall.

Laurent Lacassagne, chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, kicked off the ceremony by thanking all those involved for their dedication to the ambitious project, and pledging the company’s commitment to a long and successful future in Dunbartonshire.

All attendees were invited to take up a spade and break the ground at the same time.

Laurent Lacassagne, said: “It’s thanks to the hard work of all our team members here in Scotland that we’re in a position to make this investment, so everyone should be proud of what today represents.

“Breaking the ground is a very exciting and pivotal moment in our plans. It represents a major step change for our business as we continue to strive for operational excellence and strengthen our iconic Scotch whisky portfolio.

“It was fantastic to share this special occasion with colleagues, friends and partners because the new state-of-the-art bottling hall will bring opportunities for all of us.

“Not only will it bring economic benefits to Scotland, but also to the local Dunbartonshire community where we are proud to have built a rich 80-year legacy.”

Alister McIntosh, Chivas Brothers manufacturing director, dubbed the expansion the “next chapter” of the area’s history in whiskey production.

Mr McIntosh told the Reporter: “It’s enabling us to really drive forward and become a very important site for the whisky industry.

“It’s a really important step. You’ll be able to see a whisky bottle and know ‘that was bottled in Dumbarton – that’s my home’. It’s important for the town and the area.”

Katie Murray started working for Chivas Brothers as an engineering apprentice in 2013.

She said: “It’s great to see work starting on the new bottling hall.

“From what we’ve seen it’s going to be a great new workspace that will enable us to do our jobs even better.

“It’s an exciting time for our business and for all of us in manufacturing as we look to the future.”

Ms Baillie said: “The people of Dumbarton are very proud of the town’s great whisky heritage

“I’ve watched the development of the project closely and look forward to watching the bottling hall start to take shape.”