WOODLAB Distillery, which makes the award-winning Symphonia Gin range, is investing in a new distillery complex at Moy in Co Tyrone.
Formed in 2016 by Dr Ulrich Dyer, who has over 30 years’ experience as a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, the move comes as the company has outgrown his converted garage at his home in Benburb.
Some £120,000 is being invested by Dr Dyer to develop a distillery, warehouse, gin school and visitor centre.
The investment, which has been backed by Invest NI, has already created three additional jobs.
Dr Dyer said: “The new distillery gives us greater scope to develop our science-led development of spirits using our unique process which is based on cold distillation and microwave extraction technology.
“These techniques help ensure the rich yet delicate flavours of the local botanicals we use in gin production are extracted efficiently and preserved in our spirits.
“It’s the most environmentally friendly process because only two per cent of the energy required for traditional distilling is used in these processes - and Woodlab is the only distillery in the world using these combined techniques.”
Invest NI’s western regional manager Ethna McNamee said: “We've been working in partnership with the team at Woodlab Distillery over the last number of years to support the growth of its business.
“This has included initial support through our innovation voucher programme to help refine the distilling process of its Symphonia Gin range, support to create three jobs and technical advice and marketing assistance to help it develop its website.”
Symphonia Dry Gin was named Champion of Champions in the Irish Gin Awards 2019 and Woodlab's range has also won UK Great Taste Awards and Silver at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
