Ontario has confirmed that Crown Royal will continue to be available in the province’s liquor stores following an agreement with Diageo, the parent company. This deal, amounting to nearly $23 million, includes investments in the alcohol and agriculture sectors. However, local officials expressed disappointment, stating that the agreement does not address the impending job losses at the Amherstburg bottling plant.
Diageo had previously announced the closure of its Amherstburg plant, leading to the displacement of approximately 200 workers by the end of February. Premier Doug Ford emphasized that the investment aims to fortify provincial supply chains and support the Amherstburg community.
The agreement secures the presence of Crown Royal at LCBO outlets. A Diageo spokesperson expressed gratitude towards Premier Ford and his team for their leadership in reaching a resolution. While a portion of the funds will benefit Amherstburg, the majority is allocated to the alcohol and agriculture sectors across Ontario.
Part of the investment will support economic development in Amherstburg through Invest WindsorEssex. CEO Gordon Orr highlighted the significance of enhancing local strengths and fostering long-term success in the community. Additionally, Diageo will purchase grain spirits from Greenfield in Johnstown, contributing to local production in eastern Ontario.
The company plans to allocate significant funds towards new packaging, Ontario-based marketing, exploring a new canning facility, and supporting organizations in the agriculture sector. Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy underscored the commitment to safeguarding jobs and enhancing supply chains through collaborative efforts with industry partners.
Despite the positive outcomes for various regions, Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue expressed disappointment, stating that the funds do not directly benefit local workers. Unifor Local 200 President John D’Agnolo echoed concerns about the adequacy of the investment, emphasizing the need for robust support amidst significant job losses. Efforts are underway to attract new companies to the bottling facility in Amherstburg to preserve employment opportunities in the town.