Tue Jan 14 14:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Brown-Forman Announces Major Restructuring, Closing Louisville Cooperage, Laying Off Hundreds
**Louisville, KY** – Brown-Forman Corporation, a leading spirits and wine company, announced sweeping restructuring plans Tuesday that will result in the closure of its Louisville cooperage and layoffs affecting approximately 650 employees globally, or 12% of its workforce.
The company cited a need to adapt to the dynamic global spirits market as the rationale behind the changes, which also include a restructuring of its executive leadership team. The closure of the MacLean Avenue cooperage, responsible for producing bourbon barrels, will impact 210 employees in Louisville, with the closure slated for April 25th.
Brown-Forman stated that it will offer severance packages, outplacement services, and benefits to all affected employees. The company plans to outsource barrel production to external suppliers to maintain a consistent supply at a competitive cost.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to our employees, particularly those impacted by these changes,” said Lawson Whiting, President & Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “We are committed to supporting them through this transition.”
While the company did not specify if the Louisville layoffs extend beyond the cooperage closure, the global reduction of 12% affects approximately 650 employees worldwide. Brown-Forman confirmed that comprehensive transition agreements, including severance and outplacement services, will be offered to all affected individuals. The company expressed confidence that these strategic initiatives will position it for long-term success.
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