The drinks company is shifting production at three of its distillers for at least the next eight weeks to help fight the spread of covid-19
Its distilleries in Girvan, Scotland and Tullamore, Ireland will be switched to produce ethanol for a range of hand sanitiser manufacturers, while the smaller Tuthilltown distillery in New York State will produce, package and distribute hand sanitiser to local healthcare providers.
All the ethanol produced will be supplied at standard commercial rates and all profits will be ring-fenced and invested ‘into future actions that help alleviate the spread and impact of the virus,’ said chief executive Simon Hunt, confirming that the company would make no profit from the move.
‘Through this initiative, we can divert our technology and the skills of our people to contribute to the essential work of protecting people around the world from the impact of coronavirus. Our proud teams are determined to do what they can to help at our distilleries,’ he added.
William Grant & Sons will review the situation in eight weeks’ time to assess future needs and supply options, it said.
Other distilleries big and small have also switched production to make hand sanitiser amid the coronavirus pandemic.
