Diageo U.S. Virgin Islands Rum Distillery Nears Completion

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Jun 24, 2010, 08:00 ET

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diageo USVI, the Virgin Islands' newest rum distiller, announced today that construction of its rum distillery and barrel warehouse is nearing completion, and is on schedule to become operational by January 2011. Part of an historic public-private initiative between Diageo USVI and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the distillery will have the capacity to distill up to 20 million proof gallons of rum for the Captain Morgan brand per year, and is expected to generate an estimated $130 million in new tax revenue for the Virgin Islands Government.

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Construction on the facility began in August 2009, and has moved at an impressive pace. Diageo USVI recognizes the dedication and hard work of the local construction workers who have contributed so much to the project. Additionally, Diageo USVI has committed that at least 80 percent of the full-time employees at the distillery will be from the USVI.

ABOUT DIAGEO USVI

In June 2008, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. and Diageo USVI jointly announced a public-private initiative for the construction and operation of a high capacity rum distillery on St. Croix, USVI. This 30-year commitment will provide a major economic stimulus for the entire Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Once in operation the distillery will have the capacity to distill up to 20 million proof gallons of Captain Morgan rum per year and is expected to generate an estimated $130 million in new tax revenue for the Virgin Islands Government. Construction of the facility, located on Melvin Evans Highway, began in August 2009.

Beginning in 2012, the distillery will supply all rum used to make Captain Morgan branded products for the United States. Captain Morgan is a global leader among premium spirits and is the second leading rum in the world.

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SOURCE Diageo