Scots firm working on major Australian distillery

A STIRLING-BASED distillery designer is working on a major malt whisky project in Australia, as it continues to enjoy success on the international stage.

Allen Associates started work this summer on Archie Rose Distilling Company’s new Botany facility in Sydney, with the project expected to be completed in mid-2019.

The Stirling chemical and process engineering design consultancy noted the new distillery, the second Archie Rose facility in Sydney, would produce single malt whisky, rye malt whisky and gin.

Allen Associates, founded in 1994 and based at Stirling University Innovation Park, has also expanded its international footprint recently by winning a contract to provide design services to a bourbon distillery expansion in New York State in the US.

The company said a raft of new business at home and overseas had helped it to increase annual turnover by 50 per cent to £1.9 million. It now has a presence in 17 countries, with international projects accounting for 20% of turnover.

Allen Associates has recruited two more chemical engineers, taking its workforce to 17.

Gregor Warren, director of Allen Associates, said: “Archie Rose is a major player in the international distilled spirits sector so, when we were invited to present a feasibility study last year, we grasped the opportunity.”

The firm noted its recent projects include design and process engineering work on the newly restored Rosebank distillery at Camelon in Falkirk, and expansion of the Ardbeg Distillery on Islay. It has also undertaken work at Finland’s Kyro Rye whisky distillery and at Tullamore Dew Distillery in Ireland.