Full Breakdown
Closure of Diageo Crown Royal Bottling Facility Marks End of an Era in Amherstburg
2/26/2026, 7:56:31 AM
Final Shift at the Crown Royal Plant
On Wednesday afternoon, workers at the Diageo Crown Royal bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ontario, completed their final shift, marking the end of over five decades of operations. The closure, announced last summer, is part of Diageo's strategy to enhance its North American supply chain by relocating bottling operations closer to U.S. customers. This decision has left the community, which relied heavily on the plant as its largest employer, grappling with the loss of jobs and economic stability.
Community Reactions and Impact
Emotions ran high as employees and their families gathered outside the facility, expressing frustration and sadness. Dean Lennox, a 23-year veteran of the plant, criticized Diageo for its decision, stating, "It's disgusting corporate greed." Kayla Butler, a former employee, echoed this sentiment, lamenting her father's need to start over after years of stable employment. Larry Renaud, who worked at the facility for 40 years, described the closure as "terrible for the town" and highlighted the challenges faced by older workers in finding new employment.
Union Response and Criticism
The union representing the workers, Unifor, expressed discontent with the early closure, which occurred two days ahead of schedule. John D’Agnolo, president of Unifor Local 200, criticized Diageo for avoiding scrutiny on the final day of operations. He stated, “It’s clear Diageo didn’t want to face the scrutiny that would have come on the final day of operations.” Despite the early closure, workers will still receive pay for the remaining two days. Unifor has labeled this decision as a "final show of disrespect" from Diageo.
Government Involvement and Financial Deal
The closure prompted a response from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who initially threatened to ban Crown Royal from LCBO stores unless the plant remained open. After negotiations, a deal was struck for Diageo to invest $23 million in the province, with only $1 million allocated specifically for the Amherstburg area. Critics, including Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, have dismissed this deal as insufficient, arguing that it does not benefit the local community. Renaud remarked, "They could have sent that money down here," emphasizing the need for direct support to affected workers.
What's Next for the Facility
As the community comes to terms with the closure, the Diageo property at 110 St. Arnaud St. is currently listed for sale. The future of the site remains uncertain, as the town grapples with the economic implications of losing its primary employer. The closure of the Crown Royal bottling facility not only signifies a loss of jobs but also represents a significant shift in the local economy and community identity.
