MGP Ingredients to Idle Two Kentucky Distilleries from May, Impacting 33 Staff
MGP Ingredients will idle distilling operations at Kentucky’s Limestone Branch and Lux Row facilities from May 1, affecting 33 employees to align output with current inventory. The company reaffirmed full-year 2026 sales guidance of $480m–$500m despite an anticipated Distilling Solutions sales decline.
1. Temporary Idling at Two Distilleries
MGP Ingredients will pause distilling at its Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon and Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown starting May 1 to adjust production in line with elevated inventory levels. Distilling at its Lawrenceburg, Indiana site will continue uninterrupted.
2. Impact on Operations and Workforce
The production halt affects 33 employees, with MGP providing support during the transition. Warehousing, bottling, barrel programs and visitor center activities including tours and tastings at both Kentucky sites will continue as usual.
3. Guidance and Outlook
MGP reaffirmed its 2026 sales outlook of $480 million to $500 million, down from $536.4 million in 2025, reflecting an anticipated sales decline in its Distilling Solutions division. The company expects to resume distilling within 12 months once inventory levels warrant additional production.