Ian Macleod Distillers Profits Up 53%

[William]

Ian Macleod Distillers, one of the largest independent family companies in the UK spirits industry, has announced a 53% rise in profits to £1.5m.

Based in Broxburn, the firm makes Glengoyne, King Robert II and Smokehead as well as gin, rum and vodka.

The group has combined total sales of more than one million cases, with 85% being exported to over 65 countries.

It said it had invested in its key brands as well as its Broxburn bottling plant and Glengoyne distillery.

Managing director, Leonard Russell, said: "We are also developing markets that have the best growth potential for our products, such as India and China."

The company said that because it was independent it could focus on the longer term, rather than short-term returns for shareholders.

Economic conditions have been challenging for the drinks group who said although trading overall was buoyant, the UK remained a difficult market.

The company which was founded in 1933, employs 185 people across three Scottish sites.

William