Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew toured the Diageo Crown Royal distillery in Gimli on Jan. 13, announcing support for a clean energy project expected to secure long-term manufacturing jobs at the facility.
The visit comes after Diageo announced the potential closure of a bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ont., drawing national attention to Crown Royal production. The whisky continues to be mashed, distilled and aged in Manitoba.
$19-million electric conversion planned
Diageo plans to replace existing natural gas boilers with electric systems to operate on 100% renewable electricity. Manitoba Hydro will construct a new 20-kilometre transmission line from its Silver Station near Fraserwood to the manufacturing facility on Seagram Road in Gimli.
Construction is expected to begin in January and be completed in 2027. Diageo will cover the full estimated cost of approximately $19 million.
“This investment strengthens Manitoba’s clean energy advantage while helping secure long-term manufacturing jobs in the Interlake,” said Kinew. “It’s a win for workers, a win for the community and a win for the environment.”
Union supports job security measures
Workers at the facility are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 832.
“We are proud of the work our members do making a premium product,” said Jeff Traeger, president of UFCW Local 832. “We want to make sure these jobs stay in Manitoba.”
The distillery supports jobs and economic activity across the Interlake region.
