Around 97 workers will be impacted when the facility closes in June.
Ensuring long-term sustainable growth
"After careful consideration and analysis of our supply footprint, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our manufacturing facility in Relay, Maryland," says a statement from Diageo.
"In order to ensure long term sustainable growth for Diageo, we are optimizing our existing operations across North America to meet evolving consumer preferences.
"We do not take these decisions lightly and recognize the impact on our employees. For those affected we are providing support in the form of severance packages, outplacement assistance, and employee assistance resources, as well as information on open roles across our organization."
The adjacent Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House will remain open.
"This decision [to close the Relay brewery] will not impact our hospitality operations at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery taproom and restaurant," continues Diageo. "We have been part of the Baltimore community for many years and will continue to be an active member through our work at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, contributing to local tourism and the economy, and supporting local charitable organizations."
Since opening in 2018, the Baltimore taproom has welcomed more than 1,300,000 visitors.
"We will continue to brew experimental beers to serve the brewery's taproom in the 10-barrel innovation brewery on the ground floor of the visitor center. Our programming at the brewery remains unaffected," adds Diageo.
North America is Diageo’s largest market: with its business split across US Spirits, Diageo Beer Company USA and Diageo Canada.
With a total of 2,800 employees in the region, it currently has 12 production sites: including an RTD facility in Plainfield, Illinois, which opened last year.
Diageo Beer Company USA (DBC USA) net sales grew 3%, reflecting 14% growth in Guinness, in the last six months of 2022.
