Brown-Forman Closes Louisville Cooperage, Cuts 12% of Global Workforce

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the largest spirits and wine companies in the United States, announced Tuesday it will close its cooperage in Louisville and reduce its global workforce by 12%. The decision is part of a series of strategic initiatives aimed at positioning the company for growth in the global spirits market.

The cooperage, located on MacLean Avenue near the airport, will shut down by April 25, resulting in the loss of 210 jobs in Louisville. A cooperage is a facility where barrels are made for aging bourbon and other spirits. Brown-Forman plans to source barrels from an external supplier moving forward to ensure a steady supply at competitive prices.

Globally, approximately 650 employees out of the company’s 5,400 workforce will be affected by the layoffs. Brown-Forman has committed to providing severance packages, outplacement services, and other benefits to those impacted. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to our employees, particularly those impacted by these changes, for their dedication and contributions to Brown-Forman,” said Lawson Whiting, President and CEO, in a news release.

The company also announced a restructuring of its executive leadership team as part of its broader strategic plan. Brown-Forman emphasized that these changes are necessary to ensure the company’s long-term sustainability. “We are committed to supporting them through this transition and are confident that these strategic initiatives will ensure the company endures for generations to come,” Whiting added.

It remains unclear whether additional jobs in Louisville, beyond those at the cooperage, will be affected by the global workforce reduction. The company did not provide further details on specific locations or departments impacted by the layoffs.