WORK has started on a state-of-the-art centre at Diageo’s Menstrie site.

The drinks giant has broken ground on a £6.4million project, which will see the construction of a new technical centre of excellence, upgrading facilities for whisky blending, science and technology as well as materials testing teams.

The company says it will be a hub for innovation, not just in the spirits industry, but in environmental sustainability and manufacturing.

Ewan Andrew, director of the Diageo International Supply Centre, said: “Our Technical Centre in Menstrie is a crucial part of our business globally, delivering excellence in science and innovation.

“This investment will create new state-of-the-art facilities for our talented team of whisky specialists and scientists to enhance the industry-leading work they do on growing and protecting our business around the world.”

Wee County representatives also welcomed the investment.

MP Luke Graham said: “It's great to see more investment coming to the county.

“I was lucky enough to visit the Menstrie site earlier this year and see first-hand the jobs and apprenticeships created by Diageo.

“Following HM Government's freeze on whisky and spirit duty, it is good to see businesses with the confidence to invest in our area.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Diageo to continue to attract further investment in the future.”

The new facility is being built on unused land adjacent to the existing centre, which will continue to operate during construction.

A large employer in the area, Diageo has an extensive Clackmannanshire footprint with the company’s largest warehouse at Blackgrange, the cooperage at Cambus, the coppersmiths at Abercrombie in Alloa and the global brand archive also in Menstrie.

MSP Keith Brown added: “This announcement from Diageo of a £6.4 million investment in their site at Menstrie is fantastic news for Clackmannanshire and will be a boost to both the local and Scottish economy.

“As the MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, I welcome this further evidence of Diageo’s commitment to the local area.”