Edinburgh-based Artisanal Spirits Company plc, owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), announced that it has signed a 10-year lease for a new supply chain facility in Uddingston.

The company, which went public in June, added that the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s global membership — paying subscribers — has now surpassed 30,000 for the first time.

“The contract, initially announced as a heads of terms agreement in September 2021, will provide the group with greater control of its supply chain, with a view to improving margin contribution over time,” said Artisanal Spirits .

“The 37,000 sq. ft. facility comprises a high quality warehouse, production building and offices and is located on a secure yard with excellent transport links.

“Design work and the process of sourcing equipment is underway and the installation is scheduled to begin at the start of 2022.

“The facility is expected to become fully operational in the second half of 2022 and will employ around 10 people.

“The new supply chain facility provides the company with enhanced capability to supply its growing SMWS membership with ultra-premium scotch malt whisky and other spirits.”

SMWS provides its members with access to a vast range of single cask Scotch malt whiskies and other craft spirits sourced from over 100 distilleries in 20 countries.

In 2020 over 85% of SMWS revenue was generated online, whilst 9% was generated through SMWS’s four UK venues.

About 69% of 2020 sales for SMWS were from outside the UK. SMWS has a growing presence in the key international whisky markets of China, the US and Europe.

Artisanal Spirits Company executive managing director David Ridley said: “Securing a long-term lease at a newly refurbished supply chain facility comes at an exciting time for us as we continue to scale up the business with the IPO proceeds.

“The facility will allow us to take greater control over the group’s supply chain, whilst also providing us with the resources to supply our growing membership.

“To have attracted 30,000 members worldwide is testament to our offering and signifies an exciting milestone for the group and we look forward to further membership growth, while continuing to excite our existing members, with an increasing variety of flavours and quality SMWS products in the years to come.”