Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr has announced an
investment of almost £2million by The Boatyard Distillery
The investment will modernise and expand the company's
distillation facilities through innovative new equipment,
automation technology and sustainability-focused upgrades. With
these improvements in place, the distillery aims to scale its
annual production capacity from around 300,000 bottles to over
1.6 million per year, five times the current annual amount.
Visiting the company, the Minister said:
The Boatyard Distillery is one of the region's premium drinks
producers. Its success in international markets such as North
America demonstrates both the export potential of our local
companies and the global reputation of our food and drink sector.
Invest NI has supported the company's investment to help it to
introduce new technology that will boost productivity and
strengthen export capability at its site. This is exactly the
type of investment needed to drive sustainable growth locally,
enhancing competitiveness and supporting long-term success.
The company is a real asset to the Fermanagh area, with this
investment demonstrating ambitions to grow further and continue
its contribution to the local and regional economy.
Founded in 2016 by Fermanagh entrepreneur Joe McGirr, The
Boatyard Distillery, Ireland's first B-Corp certified distillery,
produces a range of premium organic spirits, including gin and
vodka. Operating from Tully Bay Marina on the shores of Lough
Erne, the company exports to a growing international customer
base across the US, Britain and Ireland.
Joe McGirr, founder and CEO of The Boatyard Distillery, said:
Demand for our products continues to increase across key
international markets and we need to scale to keep up. This
investment will give us the production capability we need to
produce five times the amount of bottles annually, meaning we can
meet demand while maintaining the quality and consistency our
customers expect. Alongside increased capacity, it will support
continued product innovation, including V-52, our new
mid-strength spirit that is already helping drive the next phase
of growth. It also perfectly positions us to maximise
opportunities with major distribution partners while accelerating
our expansion across Europe and North America.
The project will include the installation of state-of-the-art
mashing, fermentation and distillation equipment, alongside a new
bio-LPG steam heating system, helping the company meet growing
international demand and strengthen its position in global
markets.
Joe continued:
We have worked closely with Invest NI from the earliest days of
the business, and its support has been instrumental in helping us
grow our team, expand production and build a global brand from
County Fermanagh. We are proud to continue investing in the
business, while creating opportunities for our local community.
Invest NI has offered The Boatyard Distillery £510,000 of support
towards the project through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative
(AFII). The company will also create three new jobs as part of
the investment.
Ethna McNamee, Head of Regional Business for the Western region
at Invest Northern Ireland, said:
This investment is an endorsement of The Boatyard Distillery's
ambition and the growing strength of Northern Ireland's food and
drink sector. It has successfully established a premium brand
with an impressive international footprint, and this project
marks a major milestone in its growth journey. It also
demonstrates the role AFII plays in helping businesses adopt
innovative technologies and build the capabilities needed to
improve productivity, enhance sustainability and strengthen
competitiveness.
Alongside our support for it to invest in state-of-the-art
systems, our in-market teams are helping to strengthen its
ability to compete in global markets. Our teams in Canada, the US
and Japan are working closely with the team at The Boatyard
Distillery to develop export opportunities through introductions
to international buyers and participation in major trade
exhibitions. We're looking forward to seeing the business
continue to go from strength to strength from its base at Tully
Bay Marina.
The business has also benefited from both loan and equity funding
through Invest NI's Access to Finance programme. Loan support was
provided through facilities managed by Whiterock Capital
Partners, while equity investment from Co-Fund NI, managed by
Clarendon Fund Managers, has played an important role in
supporting the company's growth and development over a number of
years.
