The Boatyard Distillery to transform production capabilities through £2m investment
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced an investment of almost £2million by The Boatyard Distillery
The investment will modernise and expand the company’s distillation facilities through innovative new equipment, automation technology and sustainability-focused upgrades. With these improvements in place, the distillery aims to scale its annual production capacity from around 300,000 bottles to over 1.6 million per year, five times the current annual amount.
Visiting the company, the Minister said:
“The Boatyard Distillery is one of the region’s premium drinks producers. Its success in international markets such as North America demonstrates both the export potential of our local companies and the global reputation of our food and drink sector.
“Invest NI has supported the company’s investment to help it to introduce new technology that will boost productivity and strengthen export capability at its site. This is exactly the type of investment needed to drive sustainable growth locally, enhancing competitiveness and supporting long-term success. The company is a real asset to the Fermanagh area, with this investment demonstrating ambitions to grow further and continue its contribution to the local and regional economy.”
Founded in 2016 by Fermanagh entrepreneur Joe McGirr, The Boatyard Distillery, Ireland’s first B-Corp certified distillery, produces a range of premium organic spirits, including gin and vodka. Operating from Tully Bay Marina on the shores of Lough Erne, the company exports to a growing international customer base across the US, Britain and Ireland.
Joe McGirr, founder and CEO of The Boatyard Distillery, said:
“Demand for our products continues to increase across key international markets and we need to scale to keep up. This investment will give us the production capability we need to produce five times the amount of bottles annually, meaning we can meet demand while maintaining the quality and consistency our customers expect. Alongside increased capacity, it will support continued product innovation, including V-52, our new mid-strength spirit that is already helping drive the next phase of growth. It also perfectly positions us to maximise opportunities with major distribution partners while accelerating our expansion across Europe and North America.”
The project will include the installation of state-of-the-art mashing, fermentation and distillation equipment, alongside a new bio-LPG steam heating system, helping the company meet growing international demand and strengthen its position in global markets.
Joe continued:
“We have worked closely with Invest NI from the earliest days of the business, and its support has been instrumental in helping us grow our team, expand production and build a global brand from County Fermanagh. We are proud to continue investing in the business, while creating opportunities for our local community.”
Invest NI has offered The Boatyard Distillery £510,000 of support towards the project through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative (AFII). The company will also create three new jobs as part of the investment.
Ethna McNamee, Head of Regional Business for the Western region at Invest Northern Ireland, said:
“This investment is an endorsement of The Boatyard Distillery’s ambition and the growing strength of Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector. It has successfully established a premium brand with an impressive international footprint, and this project marks a major milestone in its growth journey. It also demonstrates the role AFII plays in helping businesses adopt innovative technologies and build the capabilities needed to improve productivity, enhance sustainability and strengthen competitiveness.
“Alongside our support for it to invest in state-of-the-art systems, our in-market teams are helping to strengthen its ability to compete in global markets. Our teams in Canada, the US and Japan are working closely with the team at The Boatyard Distillery to develop export opportunities through introductions to international buyers and participation in major trade exhibitions. We’re looking forward to seeing the business continue to go from strength to strength from its base at Tully Bay Marina.”
The business has also benefited from both loan and equity funding through Invest NI's Access to Finance programme. Loan support was provided through facilities managed by Whiterock Capital Partners, while equity investment from Co-Fund NI, managed by Clarendon Fund Managers, has played an important role in supporting the company's growth and development over a number of years.