Diageo has officially opened a new 360,000-square-foot manufacturing and warehousing facility in Montgomery, aimed at bringing its brands closer to consumers across the Southern United States.
The site, named ‘Diageo Montgomery’, sits at the centre of the company’s Southern US operations and has a multi-million case annual production capacity. The business said the facility will improve resilience and agility across its North American supply chain while supporting more sustainable operations.
Marsha McIntosh, President of North America Supply at Diageo, said: “The opening of Diageo Montgomery marks an important step forward in building the agile, future-ready supply network that our business demands. By placing this facility at the heart of the southern region, we’re not only strengthening our connection to customers, but also setting a new standard for efficient, sustainable manufacturing.
“This site reflects our long-term commitment to accelerating innovation, ensuring our iconic brands reach consumers with greater speed and significantly lower environmental impact, and investing in local communities.”
Focus on efficiency and sustainability
The facility incorporates a range of advanced manufacturing technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
These include five on-site automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which transport pallets across the site while reducing manual handling and forklift traffic. High-speed bottling lines feature enhanced rinsing and inspection capabilities, alongside faster bottle size changeovers and improved blending accuracy.
Energy-efficient infrastructure is powered by electric boilers used for sanitation and bottle-filling, with emergency back-up from a battery energy storage system. The site also uses advanced water and energy metering technology to provide real-time visibility into resource use and support data-led efficiency improvements.
The location benefits from access to road and rail links, which the company said will help reduce transportation distances and lower logistics-related carbon emissions.
Economic impact and local investment
The project represents an investment of approximately US$415 million and will employ around 100 full-time staff. During construction, it supported approximately 750 jobs, contributing to the local economy in Alabama.
Kay Ivey, governor of Alabama, said: “Diageo’s continued investment in Montgomery is a strong testament to Alabama’s ability to attract and retain world-class companies. This facility not only brings quality jobs to our state, but also strengthens our position as a leader in manufacturing and global commerce. We are proud to support Diageo’s growth and the lasting impact it will have on our communities.”
Steven L. Reed, mayor of Montgomery, added: “Diageo’s investment speaks to the momentum we’re building in Montgomery and the opportunities ahead for our community. This is about more than economic growth—it’s about creating quality jobs, expanding opportunity, and building pathways for our residents. We’re proud to welcome Diageo as part of a stronger, more inclusive future for our city and the entire region.”
Doug Singleton, chairman of the Montgomery county commission, said: “Diageo’s decision to expand is a major vote of confidence in Montgomery County. It speaks volumes about the strength of our workforce and the strategic advantages our region offers. This investment not only creates new opportunities for our residents but also drives long-term economic growth across Central Alabama. We are proud to partner with Diageo as they continue to grow and invest in our region.”
Beyond job creation, Diageo has invested US$750,000 in educational initiatives across the state, supporting Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University and Tuskegee University through scholarships and financial support aimed at developing future talent.