Visitors from all over the world are adding their messages of support for the Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock Campaign.
Visitor map
It was with utter dismay that we heard of Diageo’s decision this morning. On 3 September, day 65 of the 90-day consultation, the Cabinet Secretary presented our alternative business proposals to Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock to Diageo. Today, on day 71, Diageo have confirmed their decision. Did they really give our proposals due consideration in only four working days?
We do recognise that a decision has been taken, but we believe that the decision taken is a wrong one. Our supporters obviously agree, as our campaign has demonstrated, with more than 100,000 people signing our petition, support flooding in from around the globe, 15,000 people have written personally to Paul Walsh and almost half a million people have written to Diageo shareholders.
Johnnie Walker is synonymous with Kilmarnock and the brand has been associated with the town since 1820. It is recognised in every corner of the world as the leading brand name for Scotch whisky, and generations of local families have shown tremendous commitment and loyalty to the company over the past two hundred years. Now they will witness the very heart and soul being ripped out of their community.
Today we find ourselves in a position where we must move forward and try to secure the best possible outcome for Johnnie Walker employees and the town of Kilmarnock.
The Cabinet Secretary has convened a meeting of the Task Force on Monday and we will present a package of proposals designed to support the growth of new jobs in Kilmarnock. We want to secure Scottish Government support for the town and our attention will now turn to developing an action plan which will seek to create 700 sustainable jobs for Kilmarnock.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “I welcome the continued commitment from Cabinet Secretary John Swinney, and as he himself stated, he will work unstintingly with partners to mitigate the serious impacts and assist the people and communities affected by Diageo’s decision-making.”
Councillor Maureen McKay, Leader of Main Labour Opposition said: “It is hard to describe the true extent of our feelings today. However, we remain resolute as we turn our attention to securing a positive future for the town, by applying the same energy, enthusiasm and strength as witnessed throughout the campaign.”
Councillor Tom Cook, Leader of Conservative Opposition said: “We are truly disappointed at today’s outcome, which will undoubtedly have a devastating effect of the town and the wider local community. We must now look towards the future as we prepare to work with the Scottish Government on plans to help secure 700 sustainable jobs for the town.”
We are proud of what this campaign has achieved. The facts speak for themselves.
Throughout the 71 days of this campaign we gained the support of the entire local community; local businesses, residents, workers, trades union representatives, Kilmarnock Football Club and politicians from all parties have united to keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. People have given their all in support of this campaign and we could have asked for nothing more.
We do recognise that a decision has been taken, but we believe that the decision taken is a wrong one. Our supporters obviously agree, as our campaign has demonstrated, with more than 100,000 people signing our petition, support flooding in from around the globe, 15,000 people have written personally to Paul Walsh and almost half a million people have written to Diageo shareholders.
Johnnie Walker is synonymous with Kilmarnock and the brand has been associated with the town since 1820. It is recognised in every corner of the world as the leading brand name for Scotch whisky, and generations of local families have shown tremendous commitment and loyalty to the company over the past two hundred years. Now they will witness the very heart and soul being ripped out of their community.
Today we find ourselves in a position where we must move forward and try to secure the best possible outcome for Johnnie Walker employees and the town of Kilmarnock.
The Cabinet Secretary has convened a meeting of the Task Force on Monday and we will present a package of proposals designed to support the growth of new jobs in Kilmarnock. We want to secure Scottish Government support for the town and our attention will now turn to developing an action plan which will seek to create 700 sustainable jobs for Kilmarnock.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “I welcome the continued commitment from Cabinet Secretary John Swinney, and as he himself stated, he will work unstintingly with partners to mitigate the serious impacts and assist the people and communities affected by Diageo’s decision-making.”
Councillor Maureen McKay, Leader of Main Labour Opposition said: “It is hard to describe the true extent of our feelings today. However, we remain resolute as we turn our attention to securing a positive future for the town, by applying the same energy, enthusiasm and strength as witnessed throughout the campaign.”
Councillor Tom Cook, Leader of Conservative Opposition said: “We are truly disappointed at today’s outcome, which will undoubtedly have a devastating effect of the town and the wider local community. We must now look towards the future as we prepare to work with the Scottish Government on plans to help secure 700 sustainable jobs for the town.”
We are proud of what this campaign has achieved. The facts speak for themselves.
Throughout the 71 days of this campaign we gained the support of the entire local community; local businesses, residents, workers, trades union representatives, Kilmarnock Football Club and politicians from all parties have united to keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. People have given their all in support of this campaign and we could have asked for nothing more.
Messages of Support
Messages of Support
Discussion
207 comments for “Messages of Support”
© 2009 Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. 
How could a good scotch be made any where but Scotland sounds like nonsense to me. Johnnie Walker should keep on walking the World but should start the trip from Kilmarnock
Here in Beijing I’m often asked to recommend a good whisky. If Kilmarnock is abandoned I will be less inclined to mentioned Johnny Walker, except perhaps negatively. I urge other Scots in countries which import the label to do the same, if the dirty deed is done.
stayback.proud of your heritage. you could never create Johnie walker with the original feel in another place.
We support the efforts of all concerned to keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. Diageo should be happy their workforce and product is sufficiently good to turn a vast profit these days. Better a wee bush than nae biel!
This is an outrage. Some of my family worked in the Johnny Walker plant in Kilmarnock all their lives. JW is synonymous with Kilmarnock. The government should nationalise JW – with no compensation to Diageo shareholders, and sell it back to the managers and workers in Kilmarnock for 1p. What other country would allow foreigners to destroy their traditional industries?
Diageo,
If anyone is listening out there.
Closing Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock, would be like the English shutting down the Tower of London and removing the Crown Jewels. Both are National Treasures.
Take my advice and reconsider this proposal both for social and economic reasons.
Oh come on Johnny Walker – stop being so greedy for profits. The people of Kilmarnock have supported you for over 200 years – shouldn’t it now be your turn?
Throw the bums out and buy back your company. As soon as the word “global” is mentioned, you know you are in trouble.
From their home page:
“Diageo is a global company, trading in over 180 markets around the world.”
Diageo,
Leave Kilmarnock by all means, but leave the name Johnnie Walker as well. The name belongs to the town. I’m sure the workers you’re laying off can set up their own company and do a better job representing the brand than you.
Its just CRIMINAL what Diageo are doing to Johnnie walker & Kilmarnock. they cant be allowed to dump 200 years of history like that
This unthinkable that Johnnie is going to walk away from home!
People of Kilmarnock can make that change.
YES YOU CAN! JUST DO IT!
FREEDOM FOR JOHNNIE!!!!!
Keep those jobs in Kilmarnock!
We had the same problem here in Belgium when INBEV wanted to close the little brewery in Hoegaarden. But they luckely decided to change their plans and kept the brewery of Hoegaarden open! Let everthing stay where it was first made!!!!
Think about it!!!!
If Johnnie Walker leaves Kilmarnock this means a lot of people without work and later on they can’t afford to buy this adorable whisky!
Please keep the factory open in Kilmarnock as we did here with the brewery of Hoegaarden in Belgium!
This is just another example of corporate greed. Daigeo currently make good profits but that is not enough for them. They should do the decent thing and keep the plant at Kilmarnock open.
Johnnie Walker and Kilmarnock are inseparable.
The plant must not close
Totally disgusted with what JW Exec was saying on BBC news about the campaign damaging the brand and future investment in Scotland. He should take note of the strong community spirit and keep JW in Kilmarnock. Former Killie resident now living in Fife. We miss Killie!
If it has worked for this long why change it……they don’t need the money…..so little stays the same anymore due to things beyond control but you can spot greed a mile away.
Jobs in Kilmarnok or bonuses in the boardroom. this is the way we get treated these days. well i say no and keep up the presure
I object to the closing of the Johnny Walker Plant. It is a callous move to close a place that has been part of the community for 200 years. These traditional distilleries are part of the heart of Kilmarnock and its community. Why not spend money on the plant?
Three words – corporate social responsibility – Diageo owe the town and the good people of Kilmarnock – about time they put something back by way of a thanks for one of their strongest and most enduring brands !!
This is absolutely disgusting. This company have today announced massive profits. So much for the loyal workforce. Just pure greed.
How can £2 billion pre-tax profit justify them “restructuring”. From Diageo’s website: “Being socially responsible and investing in Diageo’s communities is at the heart of what it means to be a good corporate citizen. In Scotland, Diageo focuses its efforts where its impacts are greatest and where we can make the most difference.”
Be socially responsible by staying in Kilmarnock. All my support to the workers, their families and the many others who are fighting to keep their community alive.
Well, if Johnny Walker’s Kilmarnock plant is shut down by this very greedy man resulting in a totally unnecessary loss of jobs then I shall have no hesitation in switching my favourite brand of whisky to a product in which Diageo has no business interest.
After all part of the enjoyment of drinking a good whisky is the peace of mind it generates.
We shall see if he can make the same profits if others follow me and make the same decision.
As an Ayrshire man and a shareholder of Diageo,I am speechless at the thought of Johnnie Walker leaving Kilmarnock.What an outrage!
All my support from France, JW is a great product and a great brand. Only great people can produce it. Go for it
This is an outrage! Johnny Walker has been a tradition in Kilmarnock for centuries. The original J.W. must be turning in his grave. Spare the people of kilmarnoch the loss of this famous landmark.
Coming from Ayrshire and working in F1, I am always very proud to see Johnne Walker logos around the paddock. I even noticed him on Lewis Hamilton’s boots when I was interviewing the World Champion for the BBC. It is crucial that these links are not broken – identity and history creates communities and the people of Killie deserve to have what generations have proudly worked so hard to be known all over the world.
Lee McKenzie
Isnt it always the same once they have what they need from you they will leave you like a wild animal leaves a carcas once he has had enough or sees something better in the distance only to find that what he has left was the better.
I dont know how to help but my prayers and wishes are for you the people to win through after all it is only simple men who have made this decision not gods if they have any soul at all they will put heritage, dedication, support, history and people first – I pray they do.
Good luck with your campaign
Keep the industry and its heritage alive.
This will impact greatly on the local economy and the local people.
Why do we not buy it back and make it the peoples whisky.
You cannot says its scottish if it is made elsewhere.
You cannot sell the image if it is made elsewhere.
Johnny walker should’nae be walking anywhere except Kilmarnock
I am from Australia and we think it is a total outrage that the historical plant which has supplied to the world with quality scotch for many many years. I myself truely love it and don’t think these greedy tycoons should be able to do it. KEEP JOHNNY IN KILMARNOCK!!!
Keep on walking Johnny !
You’ll never walk alone.
I Left Kilmarnock in 1958 but it has never left my heart.But to hear about the closure of Johnnie Walkers is worse than the Battle of Bannockburn.You may as well close the town down.I’m a long way from home but I feel for my mates and frends who will be left without a job,And for the future of there children,Keep up the fight. Bill Milligan
It’s about time the powers of Diageo and the SWA were curtailed and their irresponsible business plans challenged by the Scottish people and our government. Whisky is more than a commodity, it’s part of our heritage and our future, and needs protected as such.
Keep fighting folks.
To whom it may concern,
I am absolutely disgusted at Diageo’s attitude towards its loyal, hard working Kilmarnock workforce.
It seems altogether very bad that the company is seeking to employ a cheaper, slave-like workforce in a third world country, but then, that would safeguard the corporate bonuses that senior management get paid these days, whilst the more expensive workforce in Kilmarnock, and other places in the UK would not, isn’t that so??
Are we now not just seeing how short term money decisions can cause such massive repercussions all over our nation and indeed the world. If only these money men could look beyond immediate money matters and place their investments where the true feelings of the people are. If Deagio were to change their corporate minds the investment both moral and financial for their products would be infinitely greater in the longer term. And ALL would benefit!
I have no connection with Johnny Walker, but its Red Label is the best blended whisky – by far!
Johnny Walker is known worldwide as a Kilmarnock brand so surely it would be possible to move the other brands bottled there to a new home, while the Kilmarnock plant was upgraded to produce all the Johnny Walker labels more efficiently.
It’s like shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted.
Diageo, being a private corporation, can do as they please with their acquisition. If the handwriting was on the wall long before this that the Johnnie Walker plant was not carrying its weight, so to speak, why wasn’t there some effort to form a conglomeration/consortium of local investors to buy the whisky company and keep it in Kilmarnock.
Maybe I’m too simple-minded, but this seems like a logical solution.
MBE
Glaswegian in California
(A teetotaller, but who has nothing against those that like to tip the elbow in moderation!)
When history,culture,and traditions have been destroyed-as much of our Scots whisky industry has-it is gone forever.We need to take control of our industry and Nation out of all foreign hands soonest.Good luck to the “Sons of auld Killie…”
Keep walking.
Keep Johnnie Walker
I was brought up in Shortlees but haven’t lived in kilmarnock for around 20 years but this does not mean that i do not worry about what is happening in the town…Kilmarnock’s history is being knocked down bit by bit and soon we won’t know any of the original parts of Kilmarnock…that is bad enough but now closing down walkers with all the history involved in that building is a disgrace but even worse for all those people to being losing jobs that made cash for the company is not right at all…they have brought in all the profits for all the big wigs and now are being thrown to the wolves..
When will mulitinational brands realise the consequences their boardroom decisions have on working class families and communities?
Scotland is the home of whisky – let’s keep it that way.
Keep Johnnie Walkers here!!!!!
Don’t steal our pride or our great scottish whisky.
Please keep Johnnie walkers in Killie!!
All the best to the workers from Johnnie Walkers and all who give their support in trying to keep the place going. Its just a pity South Ayrshire council couldn’t give the same publicity, concern and commitment to keep the Stampwork in Ayr going after providing jobs in the town for over 100 years.
This is an astonishing decision by Diageo – why would they risk this hugely powerful brand by re-locating it to another location.
All shareholders in Diageo and the Board must be concerned at how this decision was reached. Internal management or external consultants?
This decision will destro brand and shareholders value and must be reversed.
Someone must be accountable.
What Diageo should be doing is planning a new brand strategy to capitalise on the brand equity and not play fast and loose with it.
As an analyst, I have looked at this from multiple angles and come to the conclusion that this started out as a cost savings exercise but will ultimately destroy value at multiple levels.
Greg
I am originally from Kilmarnock but now based in Canada.
The reaction and response from people I have talked to is why are Diageo taking this decision – a mixture of astonishment and bewilderment.
Surely if Diageo invested in their brand and workforce then the increase in revenues and profits would outweigh the projected, and they are only projections, cost savings.
Such a reckless way to treat a Brand that is 189 years old and incredibly valuable.
Do they know what they are doing?
Wonder what the Board have to say?
Paul
I wish you every success with your campaign. I am based in New York and have worked on global location projects and analysing sites and locations for international clients.
This Location Project does not add up and it is extremely high risk for Diageo.
The projected cost savings could be dwarved by the fall off in sales and revenues and the damage to the brand could be incalculable.
I fail to understand how Diageo can pursue such a high risk strategy.
Norbert Vnek
Message to Diageo PR Ken Robertson
Ken Robertson,
Corporate Relations Director,
Diageo Scotland,
5 Lochside Way,
Edinburgh.
Dear Ken,
JOHNNIE WALKER
I read your recent letter with interest and would like to highlight a few points.
I was particularly interested in your point
“It’s true that we have a long-standing association with Kilmarnock, an association that is understood by everyone in Diageo. But Johnnie Walker is a hugely successful international brand which we have built over many years.”
In 1986, Guinness now Diageo acquired the Johnnie Walker brands via the acquisition of United Distillers. Therefore, you have been involved for 23 years.
Johnnie Walker has been a whisky brand and business since 1820. Therefore, any analysis will prove that this brand has been built and developed for over 166 years before Guinness acquired it.
You have been the custodians of the Johnnie Walker brand for 23 years. I am sure that you agree that it is a super brand and any consumer looking at the distinctive bottle of Johnnie Walker Red, Black, Green, Gold or Blue square bottle will see that Kilmarnock is emblazoned on the cap, the label and at the foot of the bottle, it proudly proclaims its heritage; John Walker & Sons, Kilmarnock. It is synonymous with the founder, John “Johnnie” Walker and the birth of the whisky to the brand it is today.
This decision will impact negatively on the brand and the logo and the trademark of Johnnie Walker.
The Trademark bottled and blended in Kilmarnock since 1820 will change irrevocably if this decision is ratified.
Indeed, I was horrified to see that a recent bottle of Black Label has already been altered to read Scotland, displacing Kilmarnock. This is not a smart move by Diageo.
I believe this is massively significant as Johnnie Walker is a historic brand. Johnnie Walker will be targeting the emerging markets and particularly, the BRIC countries, Asia and Africa for growth.
What is important to these consumers? The history, the story, the founder, the legacy, the consistency, the longevity and the position of the brand in their hearts and minds.
You are altering the history of Johnnie Walker and Diageo must consider this proposed change in light of trade descriptions legislation in respect of any statement about where the whisky is bottled and blended if that is not true going forward I am wondering how much value Diageo attributes to the Brand of Johnnie Walker? What multiple of the cost savings to be generated by closing Kilmarnock? In 2003, Interbrand valued Johnnie Walker in 2003 at £1.72bn. Kind of dwarves the mooted £20m cost savings. Interestingly, this is the last time, Johnnie Walker appeared in InterBrands top 100 premium brands list
Heritage and history proves Brand’s staying power
The Johnnie Walker brand is a legacy left by John ‘Johnnie’ Walker after he started to sell whisky in his grocer’s shop in Ayrshire, Scotland in 1820.
In 1870, Alexander Walker first introduced the iconic square bottle for Johnnie Walker. The other identifying characteristic of the bottle is the label, which is applied at an angle of 24 degrees as specified by the designer Kenny Smith, which incorporates the brand statement “bottled and blended since 1820, John Walker & Sons, Kilmarnock
The story of the development of John Walker & Sons is extraordinary and they were visionaries. From 1906–1909 John’s grandsons George and Alexander II expanded the line and introduced the colour names. In 1908, the whisky was renamed from Walker’s Kilmarnock Whiskies to Johnnie Walker Whisky. In addition, the slogan, “Born 1820 – Still going Strong!” was created, along with the Striding Man, the iconic figure used advertising campaigns since then.
Johnnie Walker is not Scottish or British but firmly associated with Kilmarnock. The iconic logo, the striding man is synonymous with John Walker & Sons, Kilmarnock.
Johnnie Walker possesses what strong brands have in common which is clarity, consistency and constancy and those great brands are in it for the long haul. Any analysis of great brands will prove they take generations to build but can be destroyed very quickly. I fear that Diageo is taking a major risk by moving it and also the re-branding from Kilmarnock to Scotland.
I firmly believe that Diageo is potentially doing the same with the decision on Johnnie Walker. If you close the Kilmarnock plant, you diminish the brand and the historic links which consumers associate with and align themselves. You lose the brand essence,” magic”, history, iconic status and mythology.
I fundamentally believe that a whisky brand is a story that’s never completely told. It connects with something very deep — a fundamental human appreciation of history and the fact it has been distilled, blended and mixed since 1820 in Kilmarnock links you to the founder John Walker and John Walker and Sons.
Diageo will also miss out on a major marketing opportunity to celebrate 200 years of Johnnie Walker in 11 years time. The limited editions and 200 year old anniversary special bottles would generate a huge uplift in sales and higher margin products. If you sever the link then you will miss out on this opportunity. Consumers simply will not believe or buy into the 200 year old legacy and 200 year old brand if it is changed so significantly. I am wondering if this has been considered by Diageo?
A great whisky brand taps into emotions and recognises that consumers live in an emotional world? Emotions drive most, if not all, of our buying decisions.
This year, Selfridges and Marks & Spencer have been celebrating 100 years and 125 years respectively, with huge marketing initiatives. In 11 years, Johnnie Walker celebrates its 200 year anniversary. However, this will only be a celebration of the 200 years if it remains true to its roots and birthplace. Move the operation, you erode and destroy the brand ethos, history and brand identity. The marketing opportunities and revenues that could be generated by this 200 year anniversary will be lost. I am certain that the profits generated by this landmark anniversary will outweigh any short term cost savings.
I am sure that as Head of PR you recognise the damage both reputational and brand that such an ill-conceived decision to co-locate 3 plants into 1.
This does not make economic sense when you compare the brand value.
The greatest living sportswriter and legendary scribe who was born in Kilmarnock, Hugh McIlvanney, once said, “The Scots, for obvious reasons, are inclined to be more tolerant of heavy drinking than they probably should be. But as a race they have a deep abhorrence of liberty-takers. “Don’t be cheeky,” is an injunction that tends to have an unmistakably ominous ring in a Glasgow pub.”
I believe that Diageo is guilty of inflicting a monumental, contemptuously provocative insult on Kilmarnock and Scots at large.
Yours sincerely,
JG McLelland
Supporting all efforts to safeguard the livelihood of 900 workers in Ayrshire and Glasgow, and 200 years of history at both Kilmarnock and Port Dundas.
It’s the workers and the community who’ve built the company and its reputation over the years, and they deserve their loyalty to be repaid better than this.
Cllr Gordan Low
SNP Depute Group Leader
East Dunbartonshire Council
Diageo have an iconic brand here and they show no respect for the brand or what it stands for.
The way Diageo are treating their workers is disgraceful. If this closure goes ahead then I for one (and probably thousands like me) would never buy any of their products again.
this makes your blood boil
Look how much they were promoting the links with Killie here – perhaps they should take a wee look at this video as a reminder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7lnnZiORpk
Walkers is a part of the fabric of Kilmarnock, the smell of the whisky is the smell of the town when I was a boy. Used barrels soaking in back gardens in Onthank. It’s our whisky, it’s our name on the bottle wherever you go in the world. Do not let these thieves steal our heritage along with our future.
Incidentally, while I cannot wear a mask to work, I could wear a t-shirt to support the cause. Are there any?
Dutch band JD Walker send their full support for the campaign to save the Diageo Plant workers jobs.
The name of our band is based on the famous drink from Kilmarnock, so please let us know if there’s anything we can do to keep Diageo from leaving Kilmarnock.
Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. Its where it belongs!!!
I firmly believe that the Diageo decision will be reversed because they have made a monumental mistake.
I believe Johnnie Walker is a superbrand but Diageo moving location changes and alters everything.
This decision will impact negatively on the brand and the logo and the trademark of Johnnie Walker.
The Trademark bottled and blended in Kilmarnock since 1820 will change irrevocably if this decision is ratified.
I believe this is massively significant as Johnnie Walker is a heritage and historic brand.
Where are their growth markets for Diageo and Johnnie Walker? The emerging markets and particularly, the BRIC countries. The Asian countries and Africa will also be major growth export markets. What is important to them? History, the story, the founder, the legacy, the consistency, the longevity and the position of the brand in their hearts and minds.
In 2003, InterBrand, a leading brand consultancy placed Johnnie Walker at 99 in its global list of top 100 premium and most valued brands. InterBrand valued Johnnie Walker at £1.732bn
Diageo must consider this proposed change in light of trade descriptions legislation in respect of any statement about where the whisky is bottled and blended if that is not true going forward Has this been considered in this cost savings exercise? I suspect it has but deemed unimportant or less than the £20 m operating savings.
I am wondering how much value Diageo attributes to the Brand of Johnnie Walker? What multiple of the cost savings to be generated by closing Kilmarnock ? In 2003, Interbrand valued Johnnie Walker in 2003 at £1.72bn. Kind of dwarves the mooted £20m cost savings.
The Johnnie Walker brand is a legacy left by John ‘Johnnie’ Walker after he started to sell whisky in his grocer’s shop in Ayrshire, Scotland in 1820.
In 1870, Alexander Walker first introduced the iconic square bottle for Johnnie Walker. The other identifying characteristic of the bottle is the label, which is applied at an angle of 24 degrees as specified by the designer Kenny Smith, which incorporates the brand statement “bottled and blended since 1820, John Walker & Sons, Kilmarnock
The story of the development of John Walker & Sons is extraordinary and they were visionaries. From 1906–1909 John’s grandsons George and Alexander II expanded the line and introduced the colour names. In 1908, the whisky was renamed from Walker’s Kilmarnock Whiskies to Johnnie Walker Whisky. In addition, the slogan, “Born 1820 – Still going Strong!” was created, along with the Striding Man, the iconic figure used advertising campaigns since then.
Johnnie Walker is not Scottish or British but firmly associated with Kilmarnock. The iconic logo, the striding man is synonymous with John Walker & Sons, Kilmarnock.
Johnnie Walker possesses what strong brands have in common which is clarity, consistency and constancy and those great brands are in it for the long haul. Any analysis of great brands will prove they take generations to build but can be destroyed very quickly. Diageo will also miss out on a major marketing opportunity to celebrate 200 years of Johnnie Walker in 11 years time. The limited editions and 200 year old anniversary special bottles would generate a huge uplift in sales and higher margin products. If you sever the link then you miss out on this opportunity. Consumers simply will not believe or buy into the 200 year old legacy and 200 year old brand if it is changed so significantly. I am wondering if this has been considered by Diageo?
A great whisky brand taps into emotions and recognises that consumers live in an emotional world? Emotions drive most, if not all, of our buying decisions.
This year, Selfridges and Marks & Spencer have been celebrating 100 years and 125 years respectively, with huge marketing initiatives. In 11 years, Johnnie Walker celebrates its 200 year anniversary. However, this will only be a celebration of the 200 years if it remains true to its roots and birthplace. Move the operation, you erode and destroy the brand ethos, history and brand identity. The marketing opportunities and revenues that could be generated by this 200 year anniversary will be lost. I am certain that the profits generated by this landmark anniversary will outweigh any short term cost savings.
These recessionary times have revealed that there is no shortage of people who are not what they are meant to be. I am sure Paul walsh does not wish to be consigned to History as making a decision which will have a drastic impact on Diageo’s revenues and profits
This TOWNHALL supports the local campaign to avoid the loss of jobs of the entreprise Diageo.
CARLES VIÑAS I SERRA
Commissioner for the purposes of TOwntwinning
This decision will impact negatively on the brand and the logo and the trademark of Johnnie Walker.
The Trademark bottled and blended in Kilmarnock since 1820 will change irrevocably if this decision is ratified.
I believe this is massively significant as Johnnie Walker is a heritage and historic brand. Where is Johnnie Walker targeting for growth? The emerging markets and particularly, the BRIC countries. The Asian countries and Africa will also be major growth export markets. What is important to them? History, the story, the founder, the legacy, the consistency, the longevity and the position of the brand in their hearts and minds.
Diageo must consider this proposed change in light of trade descriptions legislation in respect of any statement about where the whisky is bottled and blended if that is not true going forward Has this been considered in this cost savings exercise? I suspect it has but deemed unimportant or less than the £20 m operating savings.
I am wondering how much value Diageo attributes to the Brand of Johnnie Walker? What multiple of the cost savings to be generated by closing Kilmarnock ? In 2003, Interbrand valued Johnnie Walker in 2003 at £1.72bn. Kind of dwarves the mooted £20m cost savings.
The Johnnie Walker brand is a legacy left by John ‘Johnnie’ Walker after he started to sell whisky in his grocer’s shop in Ayrshire, Scotland in 1820.
As a whisky drinker and an ardent collector, I will never buy or drink another Diageo product, if Johnnie Walker leaves Kilmarnock.
I think the decision to close the Jonny Walker factory in Kilmarnock is a disgrace. It is a classic case of large company not caring one bit about it’s roots in a regional town and the local community it serves. The Government should step in here to stop this at once. In my home town of Burnley, Lancs we had many such closures (Michelin, Lucas, Belling cookers, Prestige to name but a few) in the early to mid 90’s and the town has still not recovered.
I would just like to say Well Done! to all those “behind the scene” organisers, council workers/representatives and volunteers who helped put together such a successful rally to show support for the Keep Johnnie Walkers in Kilmarnock campaign. Without your input it would have been very difficult for the people of Kilmarnock to make their views known to a wider public audience.
I was worried that the poor weather earlier in the day would have put people off, this and the fact that a few people I had spoken to had previously commented to me “that it wouldn’t make any difference” to DIAGEO’s corporate management team … … well I shouldn’t have been concerned – the community spirit and pride in our town was very much on display.
Only time will tell if any of this “makes a difference” to DIAGEO’s corporate management team. Who it did make an immediate difference to was the people of Kilmarnock, Hurlford, East Ayrshire and Port Dundas.
I urge you all to keep the momentum going, to keep the pressure on DIAGEO – let us see if they actually believe in “real” CSR (or is it just a PR/Marketing ploy) and can they live up to their own “Corporate Citizenship” values?
MESSAGE OF SUPPORT by the Townhall of SANTA COLOMA DE GRAMENET to avoid this loss of jobs
We have played several dances for Johnie in Kilmarnock and would like to express our sympathy and support to all the workers their.
Keep on fighting…………
The Government(Scottish/British) should follow the same lines as the French eg Champange can only be called Champange if it is from the Champange Region of France and it has EU backing for the cause,so no Champange from Spain only CAVA.
Johnny Walker has always been distilled in Kilmarnock, that’s it’s home, being distilled elsewhere wont make it Johnny Walker and the contact with Kilmarnock will be lost.
I think it’s a disgrace that Diageo is pulling out from Kilmarnock. The brand is built on heritage and tradition. It’s a sad repetition of what has been happening all over this country.
If they do this I hope people turn their back on the brand and show this corporate giant that people do care.
I worked in this company in the early 1970’s and it was a great employer at that time. It is part of Kilmarnock’s history and should not be allowed to be removed from the town. If the government allow this then they should hang their heads in shame. People power stopped Diagio closing the Guiness factory in Dublin so let’s hope it works for Kilmarnock – fingers crossed.
DNT TAKE JOHNNIE WALKER OUT OF ITS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KEEP JOHNNIE IN KILMARNOCK DNT MAKE IT A JOBLESS TOWN LIKE ITS STARTING TO BECOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are not just taking jobs out of Kilmarnock but you are taking jobs away from Ayrshire. For years and years we have had to put up with companies coming into Ayrshire then leaving. J W goes back too far to leave Ayrshire.
As Leader of Renfrewshire Council I write to support your efforts to save
local jobs in the East Ayrshire area. We hope that Diageo will listen to
alternative proposals so that the impact in the Kilmarnock area will not be
the devastating blow that is currently on the table.
We have a number of whisky-related jobs in the Renfrewshire area, and
appreciate how vital such jobs are to the local economy. I therefore hope
that the company will consider any plans that secure jobs in all areas and
grow the business so that it can have a viable future.
If we can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards
Councillor Derek Mackay
Leader, Renfrewshire Council
Should we concentrate on Japanese opinion? Sponsorship is important.
Johnnie Walker sponsors:
The Johnnie Walker Classic, an Asia-Pacific golf tournament
The Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, a golf tournament in Scotland
The McLaren-Mercedes F1 team.
The Ashes, a cricket series between Australia and England.
LOYALTY
Cheers, Geoff
I now live in Australia and am proud to tell everyone that Johnnie Walker comes from my hometown, please do not take away our history and our future. Keep Johnnie Walking in Kilmarnock for ever
Save the Striding man! I am appalled and devasted at this news! Lets work together and let them know that this is more than juse business, this is history!
We can do it! Keep up the good work and together we will win this one!
Johnnie Walker must stay in Kilmarnock, and I think it will. The truth of the matter is they can do the same job with a new plant and half the workforce and I predict this will be the outcome with a site identified soon for a new plant to be built. Sorry to be so negative, but I think, like most people that the saddest part of this is that Kilmarnock could lose it’s ties with Johnnie Walker. The majority of the current workforce is made up of families and friends, nepotism is never a good thing and it is something that Johnnie Walker is well known for locally, they would employ a fellow workers cousin with no experience before employing an experienced worker, sad but true, so here is to Johnnie Walker staying in Killie.
It would be an absolute shame to remove Johnnie Walker from a town that has grown around and loved the factory for almost 180 years. Whilst I am Australian, my wife grew up in Kilmarnock and I have worked with three other people from the town and all of them have fond memories of the distillery.
I think that this would destroy the town and would be akin to Guiness clsoing it’s doors in Dublin. At least they have kept the site as a heritage site and are trying to attract the tourist dollars that way.
I cannot understand how Europeans can close down sites that are intrinsictly linked to their heritage. Australia had only been inhabited for 32 years when this factory opened. Look at it that way and you start to see the enormity of the effects that this distillery has had on people over that time.
PLease do not close down this wonderful institute that I still have not had the fortune to visit.
Regards,
Jarrod
I was very sad to hear of the closure of Johnnie Walker Kilmarnock i worked there some 27 years ago and i am now living in Australia. Every time i visit my old home town i feel sad for it is becoming a bit of a ghost town and i think with the closure of Johnnie Walker the people will have no identification there’s nothing left ….. please please leave Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock.
Any estimate on the number of signatures on the written petitions?
DIAGEO sponsored the Belgian Grand Prix
DIAGEO sponsored the Clan Gathering
DIAGEO wants to rip the heart out of south west Scotland, the home of Johnnie Walker, Robert Burns and William Wallace
What a GREAT DAY! on Sunday and a proud day for Kilmarnock. The community has come together in fantastic support for the Johnnie Walker employees and not forgetting the Proud Name of JOHNNIE WALKER himself. I hope this makes Diageo think again and realise how much this means to our town. It is so important that we keep him in Kilmarnock he belongs here with the people of Kilmarnock .
I work with Glasgow City Council and read your e mail regarding the Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock’ Campaign.
I head up the FUNGUS ACTION GROUP in the Falkirk area which is very well supported by the council, MSPs, general public and the local media. The vegetation, properties and even vehicles in our area are black due to a fungus being fed by a Diageo bonded warehouse. We have been fighting this company for over four years and they ‘talk a good game’.
We have said they ‘Put Profits Before People’ and this is what’s happening in Kilmarnock.
The Fungus Action Group Members and I wish you, the campaign members and most importantly the Johnnie Walker employees every success in your endeavours.
Regards
Adam Tarbet
Grad Dip SAIMM MIMM
Johnnie Walker must stay
We are behind you 100%. Though many of our members have patronized Diageo prior to this, I think we may all switch to non-Diageo whisky & beer from now on. If the plant is closed, Laphroig will be my whisky of choice.
It seems that there are plenty of ‘worldly wise’ pundits (e.g. Alan Cochrane of the Daily Telegraph) and people puporting to represent ‘Scottish Industry’ who wish to belittle the brave attempts of people and politicians to engender a positive outcome here. These people must be challenged by ordinary Scottish folk. It would be very interesting to know who funds Mr. Iain McMillan and CBI Scotland (and who are they lobbying for exactly)?
Of all the whiskies in the World,no matter where you are,Johnnie Walker is the most famous — please don’t lose it or it’s identity
shipbuilding was one thing but whisky is surely a tradition to keep going in scotland
get rid of the fat cats to save money they dont make any money its the work force the working man and women at walkers we are right behind yous all at walkers if you s need any help just ask. big jim fa the rigs
Closing Diageo’s Kilmarnock operations would be devastating for the Ayrshire economy and for the people of kilmarnock, but also for the history and heritage of Johhnie Walker.
Let’s hope the Company re-think its strategy for the Kilmarnock facility and retain this important local link , a brand which itself is synonymous with Kilmarnock over its long history.
It was heartwarming to see the march last weekend. There hasn’t been as much emotion in Kilmarnock since Eintracht! Don’t give up, we can win this one. Consumers and workers in Australia are with you all the way.
Dave – Fremantle, Australia
And can I say how proud and impressed I was by the way the whole of Kilmarnock turned out at that march, you’ve re-kindled my belief in people power, dont give up
We put up with this in the past, not anymore, at least not without a real fight, its the squeaky wheel that gets the oil, let’s squeak as loud as we can, here’s You Tube squeak:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV9gq92PFu8
i have lived in Australia for 16 years but was home on holiday when the news of the closure broke,to see the disapointment in my familys faces was gut wrenching, my grandpa,my mum & dad all worked there for years and my brother is in his 23rd year of service.johnnie walker is steeped in history there is a piece of Kilmarnock in nearly every bar in the world,and that would be the striding man with made in Kilmarnock on it, hopefully commonsense will prevail and diageo will see the errors of there way.good luck to all those people fighting for the cause.
A native of Kilmarnock, now living in Bristol, I was horrified at the news. With some of my family, I joined the march yesterday. The people of Kilmarnock are special and deserve better than this thoughtless closure of a historic industry in this town. I support the campaign to keep this issue in the public eye and put pressure on Diageo to do the right thing and keep the plant open in Kilmarnock
Just a quick note to thank everyone who turned out on Sunday for the march.
As we were working the weekend shift in
Hill st, we could not attend ourselves, but we made it to the top of the road and manage to see all our friends, colleagues, families and supporters from start to finish during our lunch, the sight was awesome. We couldn’t believe it when the marchers kept coming up Hill st for half an hour.
People must remember that when this community closes it’s eyes they can smell the whisky barrel from their youth and remember the smell from the old barrel’s if your father got some to light the fire with.
We can give Diageo Brand Passion they can only dream about.
So thanks everyone you put a smile on our face’s and in our heart’s when we went in behind those Iconic gates.
Cheers The Weekend Shift for Johnnie Walker.
Copy of letter just sent to editorials of the following newspapers:
Dear Times, Guardian and Independent Editors,
It was with much frustration that the people of Kilmarnock and Ayrshire would be reading your online content today. They would be, disappointed (I do not know about surprised) and possibly slightly offended by the fact that a major social and political event cannot be deemed to be at least worthy of a short article on your online content (I cannot speak for your ‘Scottish Editions’ in the newsagents of Scotland).
Yesterday, over 20,000 people marched and attended a mass rally to protest at the decision of DIAGEO to axe 900 jobs in Kilmarnock and Glasgow at a time when they are posting profits of over 2 billion per annum. It is certainly more worthy of elaboration than the feeble attempts to pan out the non-story of President Sarkozy of France overdoing his Sunday jog!
I have to say that personally I was not surprised (credit to the Telegraph.co.uk for being on the ball), which should worry you. Its clearly not a story without a profound human interest angle.
I assume that your title values the continued existance of the United Kingdom. Continue to alienate Scottish readers of your titles by treating Scotland as a foreign country and you will find yourself powerless to influence events North of the Border. Just because something significant happens North of the Border it should not simply by default be confined to the Scottish Edition.
I therefore appeal to you to give focus to an evolving story that would provide worthy and quality content and credit to your publication at minimal cost or time investment.
Yours Sincerely
Douglas Lindsay
I was at the march and if pople power can do anything the heart and soul everybody had then long live johnnie walker in killie
the best of luck from gasgow
The importance of Diageo’s continued presence in Kilmarnock cannot be over-emphasised. The impact of the closing of Diageo’s Kilmarnock operations would be devastating for the Ayrshire economy and for the people of kilmarnock, but also for the history and heritage of Johhnie Walker.
While recognising the intrnational staus of Diageo as a global brand, I urge the Company to re-think its strategy for the Kilmarnock facility and retain this iconic local link with the history of Johnnie Walker, a brand which itself is synonymous with Kilmarnock over its long history.
Bill McIntosh
Conservative Councillor
South Ayrshire Council
there are other companies blending whiskey. boycot all diageo products
If Paul Walsh, DIAGEO CEO, is not having sleepless nights justnow, then he should be!!!!
The people of Kilmarnock will never surrender, we shall fight them on the factory floor, in the boardrooms, amongst the shareholders, on the global media stage. If DIAGEO thought this was just some backwater one horse town they could shaft then there in for a very, very rude awakening!!!
As a worker on week-end shift, i was very proud and emotional to see the support from workers, family, friends and community today.
Stood at the top of Hill st looking down the sight was amazing.We can only hope that they reconsider and KEEP THE SRIDDING MAN WORKING AND STAYING IN KILMARNOCK.Well done to everybody…
i was proud to be there today for the people of Kilmarnock, you are not alone in this struggle, trade unionism won today, best wishes from Bridgeton in Glasgow
Davie, Unite shop steward and branch secretary
What about the poor guys at Hurlford. Over 900 years service between the workers out there. No choice of redundancy, just being forced to go and work for another company (WH Malcolm)under the TUPE ruling who will do the same work, but pay half the hourly rate. Slave labour trade was supposed to have been done away with years ago !!
There’s more to drinking than pouring liquids into one’s body. There’s more to a product than what rolls off the conveyor belt.
It’s called culture. It’s called spirit. It’s called soul.
A suit’s job is called windows dressing because there is no room in spreadsheets for soul, spirit and passion.
Send them walking!
Good luck UNITE/GMB and the Walkers Workforce remember the workds of Eugene V. Debs:
Ten thousand times has the labor movement stumbled and bruised itself. We have been enjoined by the courts, assaulted by thugs, charged by the militia, traduced by the press, frowned upon in public opinion, and deceived by politicians. ‘But notwithstanding all this and all these, labor is today the most vital and potential power this planet has ever known, and its historic mission is as certain of ultimate realization as is the setting of the sun.
I was closely involved with the SKAT group that got the tolls off the Skye Bridge. We often wondered if we would ever succeed but we did in the end. So remember, tenacity is vital. You can do it ! Best of luck with your campaign,
Amelia Simonini
As a member of staff at Johnnie walker I would like to thank each and every person who turned out today. We know this isnt solely about our jobs it is about the town and surrounding area, the knock on effect will be catastrophic.
East Ayshire has an unemployment rate of 5.7%
If JW shuts it will rise to 6.9%
The scottish average is 3.9%
What chance do we or future generations have?
kx
Im originally from Altonhil and moved from Kilmarnock to Abu Dhabi in the middle east three years ago. I often return home and its been good to hear and see the proposed plans for regenerating the town, however if the Diageo Plant closes, it will be devasting for the town and community of Kilmarnock. I hope the campaign is successful and those working there continue to do so.
I hope the faceless, anonymous idiot who writes to complain about the OT being worked by Walkers workers realises his short sightedness. These people have redundancy facing them, as many of us have in our lives, they still have mouths to feed and families to support, regardless of the closure threat. Take the blinkers off and support the wider view, before it is too late. Especially if the town and its people mean as much to you as they do to me!! YNTTK!! Andrew Gorrie, Galston.
we shall not be moved
Davie
Shop steward/Branch secretary
Unite the union
it reads jw kilmarnock on the bottle,this is a brand that is sold on its heritage and roots,edinburgh rock wouldnt be edinburgh rock if it was made in glasgow.we have been spreading the word to employees of other bottling plants throughout the world on our service visits.all our support from all at drylube.
Fraternal greetings to the workers at the Johnnie Walker plant from the Public & Commercial Services Union members at Kilmarnock Driving Test Centre. We hope you have a successful rally on Sunday.
I am not directly affected by this dreadful news, none of my family work at Walkers but the impact this will have on not only Kilmarnock but the wider community causes me great concern, thats why I will be joining the walk on Sunday in support of those doing their utmost to prevent the loss.
Good Luck To All
Mrs M McAllister age 87 years
If you look at all labels on johnnie walkers bottles it says KILMARNOCK, not leven etc….. it wouldn’t be right to keep kilmarnock on it if they move the work, its just false advertising…
keep walkers where it belongs
Good luck for the march on Sunday.We are out of town that day but,our hearts and thoughts will be with you all.
I actually wrote an email to Diageo when I heard the news and got a half-hearted email which looked like they didnt actually read it. My full family have worked in Walkers at some point and I stated that this would be the final nail in the coffin for Kilmarnock if this went ahead, there wont be anything left here!
Your very best wishes in trying to keep the company to stave off jobs. Hopefully they will find some way of doing so.
We can retain these jobs in Kilmarnocjk and Port dundas by working together. Lets show this multinational that us Scots are made of stern stuff
Growing up in Ayrshire I always remember the picture of the striding man as we drove into Kilmarnock from Crosshouse. Johnnie Walker is a Kilmarnock icon and a faceless multi-national conglomerate cannot be allowed to destroy a local institution.
it is the end of an era, to even contemplate such is madness long live johnnie walkers
When will big Business learn that if you dilute tradition you dilute the brand. Consumers are getting educated about the treatment of corporations workers. For example after T-Mobile moved 7,000 jobs to the Phillipines I cancelled my contract and went to a provider that employs UK staff. I am a Johnny Walker drinker, but I won’t buy another bottle if the move from Kilmarnock.
Scotland is a country with facets of history through to its core, Johnny Walker is part of that history. Diageo should realise that Kilmarnock has been at the heart of Johnny Walker for many a year and Diageo should appreciate its unfailing contribution over these years with continued rewards of employment, not by pulling the plug.
walkers is the heart of the town and we wont give up without a fight!!!
As a former business owner in Kilmarnock I am a believer that Kilmarnock is the home of Johnnie Walker , and should remain so.I give my full support to the campaign.
Councillor Mary Kilpatrick
South Ayrshire Council
It will be the end of an era
Kilmarnock won’t be worth living in if Walkers shut. There is nothing in Kilmarnock already without it shutting aswell.
I’ve travelled all over the world and the one constant when it comes to whisky from the US to Fiji is Johnny Walker. My Dad was in the merchant navy and the he always had Johnny Walker red label in his cabin. Shame on Diageo for ignoring history and destroying a nation’s heritage.
Three generations of my family have worked at Johnnie Walker. The name is synonymous with Kilmarnock and should stay in Kilmarnock.
I would like to add my support to this vital campaign, and I hope that it successful. Kilmarnock deserves much better than this. The Diageo plans are completely incomprehensible.
Typical big company only looking after the books and have no idea of the effect this closure will make to the greater community
Its just not right. Diageo failed to take Guinness out of Dublin and if the depth of support I’ve seen is anything to go by, they will fail to take Walkers out of Killie. Keep going with the campaign and best of luck.
My Dad has worked 4 JW in Hill Street & now Hurlford for 40 years in October. My parents & i fully support the campaign 2 keep JW in Killie, but cant help feelin the 64 in Hurlford have been left by the wayside in peoples thoughts. Where r the posters in support of Hurlford workers?? Please save ALL jobs & BOTH plants.
Can’t be real if it ain’t Scotttish!
I live in Bahrain and work in Saudi Arabia where Black Label is classed as the local tipple of choice.
Years of expertize have gone into making this wonderful product, don’t let them cheapen it.
I toast you with a glass of most excellent BLUE LABEL, fantastic.
Who is Diageo anyway, sounds bloody foreign to me?
Johnnie Walker may be the SPIRIT of KILMARNOCK, But it’s evident that the PEOPLE of KILMARNOCK have the SPIRIT of SCOTLAND.
It is unthinkable that Johnnie Walkers should close in Kilmarnock. Corporate business has lost sight of what really matters in life PEOPLE!!!. I hope that the people of Kilmarnock will come Out in full force on Sunday the 26th of July 2009 and support the employee’s of Johnnie Walkers. Lets hope Diageo has some moral conscience left and will THINK AGAIN !!!!
The Scottish people are a strong, proud race who take pride in their work – keep this facility in Scotland where the tradition belongs
What do you think of when you see a bottle of whisky – Scotland! Whisky was made famous by the Scots and is a cultural and historical legacy of the scottish way of life. Diageo is making a mistake by trying to cut costs in this way as they will loose support for their brand not just in Scotland but around the world!
This would be a disastrous move. Diageo should go away and think again – very carefully.
Keep on Walkin’!
diageo should remember who and what made it the success it is today. transferring business abroad is a fatal mistake!
What a terrible news!
Please JOHNNIE don’t WALK away from Kilmarnock!!!!!!!!1
I hope that the campaign is a success and that Johnny Walker stays in Kilmarnock.
I am boycotting all other Diageo products, so best of luck!
Daniel McCroskrie
Youth/Student Officer for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock Labour Party
Another short-sighted decision by an oversized and bloated multi-national trying to squeeze a few more pennies out of its share price. When will it end?
I agree with Campbell Martin SNP “the3towns.com”: We shouldn’t wait for Diageo to identify its next cost saving in Scotland (which will happen anyway). We should boycott Diageo products now!
I’ve just been told that AJ Clark of kilmarnock have already started working on the new building in Leven, Fife. We are being told by management at work that planning permission has not yet been applied for and work cannot be started until after the consultation period. Can anyone tell me if this is the case?
Shame on Diageo and I hope they can be persuaded to reconsider. I’ll be avoiding their products from now on.
i was born and bred in longpark johnny walkers is a historical land mark if it goes killie will be a ghost town we need to stop these [edited] from taking away our livleyhood.
So sad to hear of another attempt to uproot Scottish traditions, when will it end?? KEEP JOHNNIE WALKER IN KILLIE!
I think it’s a disgrace thinking about moving Johnnie Walker from Killie after the loyalty of the workers through the years to the brand, what a kick in the teeth, all for greed. I don’t work at Walkers but i’ll be marching with my daughter next Sunday
Best of luck with the fight, from an Ayrshireman in London.
Diageo bosses need to be shown they are just the custodians of the Johnnie Walker brand – it belongs to Kilmarncok.
I’ve just read a great article by the former North Ayrshire MSP Campbell Martin about the Diageo-Johnnie Walker issue. It’s well worth a read – it’s under ‘Opinion’ at http://www.the3towns.com.
The Johnnie Walker was born in Kilmarock, it should stay in Kilmarock
I shouted 5 years ago when the word ‘Kilmarnock’ was removed from the label… no-one listened and now I hear politicians of all parties, including Des Browne, quoting the proud heritage of having the name on the bottle since 1820… just a little bit out of touch, guys. Even some people who work there never noticed that it now says ‘Bottled in Scotland’ instead of Kilmarnock.
There are only two solutions now.. RESIST or REBUILD when they are gone… I suggest we prepare for both.
I and my workmates at Diageo Hurlford would like to offer our full support to Diageo Hill Street, Kilmarnock.
Diageo has in their wisdom started a process to move the despatch from Barleith ,Hurlford to a logistics company called Malcolms.
We are not being made redundant but are being forced to do the same work by another (non blue chip) company .
Please support us to help fight against this decision.
Don’t give up. We’re all with you. Johnny Walker should always be part of Kilmarnock.
Australian based and Kilmarnock born, I travel the world as a humanitarian aid worker. At the end of a hard day in some remote and distant corner of the world it is a great comfort for me to know that behind the counter of practically every bar in the world is a bottle with my town’s name on it. Johnnie Walker is part of Kilmarnock and Kilmarnock is part of Johnnie Walker. If the marketing people who sell the stuff don’t understand that then they don’t understand marketing.
As a former bond worker in the 60’s it was a great place to work. My aunt worked there too. I do not favour this, as I believe Johnnie Walker whisky will just be the same as any other whisky produced from the same vat and bottled by Diageo (in Fife) and will be nothing special. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME.
Leave what works alone! and keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND.
I have only visited Kilmarnock once. The same thing is happening here in America also. Companies discarding the very things that have made them successful —their roots, loyal employees and their communities. It would be no different than discarding ones’ family heritage, family members and properties. God forbid!
I was brought up living next door to the smell of Johnnie Walker,
now I smell the stench of greed by Diageo.
Johnnie Walker seemed safe in the hands of its previous owners, now that it has headquarters in London, it is obvious it has uncaring owners.
Dont buy any Diageo products, when the bean counters dont have any beans to count, then they will realise their huge mistake.
Kilmarnock is on the march-dont get in their road!
The Diageo plans to close their Kilmarnock operations are totally unacceptable. Johnnie Walker was born and bred in KIlmarnock and must stay there! Diageo must be made to think again.
Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock
Charlie
i lived in kilmarnock from 1964 until 1984 and during our years in onthank whenever we went “down the street” on foot our route took us down past johnnie walker’s and i can still remember the smell of the whisky even now!! have never drank the stuff though. keep johnnie walker’s in kilmarnock as it has so many memories for so many people over the years
While I’m currently away from Scotland right now, the news of this decision has shocked me. Even here in Japan, Johnnie Walker’s is sold, and quite popular as well, with many people mentioning it when they hear I’m from Scotland. Plus it’s always a nice reminder of home seeing a bottle in shops, proudly labled with “made in Kilmarnock”, and as far as I concerned, that’s how it should be kept!
Johnnie Walker is Kilmarnock. Keep it where it belongs.
We need to hit this company where it hurts…in their pocket. If we don’t buy their goods they’ll soon get the message. They may be a global brand but they’re not the only supplier of product so buy elsewhere and write to them and tell them that’s what your doing.
Save Johnnie Walker save Kilmarnock!!
The politicians should make moves at home and within the EC to ensure that only whisky consisting of Scottish ingredients and produced and bottled in Scotland can be called Scotch, Scottish Whisky,… etc.
Diageo are clearly looking to follow trends and offshore as much as possible. If people want Indian or Chinese whisky then they should feel free to buy it branded as such.
We need to make a stand, NOW!
Why don’t both the Scottish & Westminster Governments do more to prevent these multinationals from profiteering people’s out of misery? If redundancy payments were larger and really compensated folk for the loss of their job, as they do in France & Germany, then they’d be forced to think twice.
SUPPORT KILMARNOCK DIAGEO WORKERS HOWARD PARK 1PM 26TH JULY,THEY NEED YOUR HELP,PLEASE ATTEND AND SHOW UR SUPPORT,THEY CANT DO IT ON THEIR OWN,PLEASE***
i know diageo think they have their reasons but their JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH,i know they own the brands,but that post-codes ours KA31HD see i know it off by heart,it would be a criminal offence to not bottle in kilmarnock,the workers werent paid for their loyalty they gave it for free,WE WERE SO SO PROUD TO WORK AT HILL STREET. DONT TAKE JOHNNIE WALKER FROM KILMARNOCK
[edited by Campaign Office]
This is a poor and shameful decision by Diageo. To make profits of almost
As the president of COSLA I am delighted to give my full support to the campagin to save the jobs in Johnnie Walker jobs are important in any authority but none more so than East Ayrshire more power to your elbow.
Cllr Pat Watters CBE
COSLA President
An absolute tradgedy if it happens. This must be stopped at all costs!
It can not happen and it is as simple as that this factory is a historic site not only for Kilmarnock but for Scottish whisky. Let it be known that you have the support from brazil to keep this plant open.
Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock, the Scots do it best
I hope Diagio recognise the strength of feeling across the whole of Scotland and keep The Striding Man in Kilmarnock where he belongs. Good Luck
Disgraceful decision by Diageo, a company that made profits of
This is a premium brand charging premium prices throughout the world. Only through corporate greed could this happen. As corporations “consolidate” or “make themselves more competitive in today’s environment” – this does not mean a better company, and surely not a better product. In fact past experiences show many times the opposite happens.
As a member of the Striding Man Society I will make sure my companions know of this decision and I will guarantee it will not go over well in the heartland of the USA where the promise that jobs will be “saved” by losing jobs. Think about it, does this make sense? Did it save the world’s largest corporation from going bankrupt in my own backyard of Detroit, Michigan? Have jobs returned to those who lost them here to the greedy automakers? Has a better product been made? Just a case in point…
Fight like hell because those jobs, the pride in the community, the basis for much of life as you know it – that which is lost will never come back, ever. And you are owed more than that. Much more.
To Good people of the World. Money rules, the rich Diagio money grabbers sit in their ivory towers thinking of cruel ways to earn more & more, it’s sheer and utter greed for wealth.
It’s a sad world we live in where money comes before humans. The loyal workers of Johnnie Walkers in Kilmarnock have made the company millions, now they have beed betrayed.
All whisky drinkers will not be raising a glass to Diagio!
if johnnie walkers gets closed, it will devastate this town. apart from that, its the only factory left. we were an industrial town, proud of our industries.such as glenfied and kennedy, massey ferguson, to name only a few.i hope in there wisdom, they will see sense, and keep this factory open.
Being born and raised in Kilmarnock and living not far from the Johnnie Walker factory as well as having an uncle who worked there, Johnnie Walker whiskey always had a place in my heart. After living in Austria for over 18 years and always having a bottle at home. I have introduced many friends to the brand, now I am very disappointed with what is happening to Kilmarnock. That is why I am going to organise an Anti-Diageo campaign here in Austria. Help would be nice!!!
All the best
Hugh Mabon
What would the farm born grocer say?
Shame on you Diagio, 189 years of tradition sacraficed for some fat cats wallet!
We all have a duty secure the future of this first rate global Scottish brand and the identity and the jobs that have delivered that global success.
Councillor Alan Moir
Labour Group
East Dunbartonshire Council
johnnie walker is to kilmarnock like rabbie burns is to ayr u wouldnt move rb to maybole so why move walkers
Keep whisky Scottish Diagio will loose customers if they go ahead with this
I used to work in Kilmarnock and understand the impact Johnnie Walkers closing would have on the town and surrounding area’s. This cannot be allowed to happen. Diageo must be forced to re-think their plans.
Best wishes to all the families worrying and stressing over their future.
You have my support.
I am sure I speak for my colleagues in West Lothian in wishing you luck in your fight to protect you jobs and your community. I hope the event on 26th. is well attended, and that the message goes out to Diageo that the long-term commitment made by the people of Kilmarnock to the firm should be better rewarded than with the current shabby treatment. Best wishes.
Please keep this Icon of the Whisky Idustry going. Otherwise where will this end?
I am staying in oz just now just i thought i would have to send my support. my best mate works for the company and i am a life long killie fan so i spent alot of time in the town when i was in the country. i am due back next year and it will not be the same if its not there. also how can a company justify spending 18m to get a logo on lewis hamilton’s helmet when he is last on the grid and they are shutting plants…….shocking, should not be tolerated and won’t…..keep up the fight!!!
Being born and bred in Kilmarnock i have grown up know the longstanding tradition and name of Johnnie Walkers in the town and have grown to enjoy there excellent products over the years. This would be a travesty for not only the loyal employees past and present and the town not to mention whisky drinkers the world over. Do the right thing and keep Johnnie Walkers in Kilmarnock and all the jobs safe and the future of a world renowned whisky producers.
I wish you every success in your struggle to keep your jobs in the face of unbelievable insensitivity and Corporate greed of the very worst kind. Johnnie Walker, as a brand, IS Kilmarnock and visa-versa. The two are linked at the hip and always will be. Diageo will do well to remember that. You have the full support of the town and people from the town across the globe, all the very best!
Keep Johnie Walker in Killie – its like the Killie pie – Kilmarnock wouldn’t be the same without it!!
POLITICIANS – STICK TOGETHER ON THIS ISSUE. NO MORE POINT-SCORING.Diageo should be ashamed for even considering this move.
Keep Johnnie Walker in Klmarnock!
Come on Diageo keep it in killie, you know it makes sense
If Johnnie Walker shuts then we might as well just go to every welcome to Kilmarnock sign and place a big “CLOSED” plackard over them!!!
I walked past the church, where Johnnie Walker is buried, the day this was announced and all I could hear was a whirring noise from the graveyard and in all honesty I believe that it will get louder if this closure goes ahead!!!
Mind you the town has been on a slippery slope for many a year and with this debacle the final nail is resting on the coffin lid with the hammer hovering over it!
They blame the recession for this…
There are absolutely no “ifs” or “buts” here….JOHNNIE WALKER
must stay in Kilmarnock for many years ahead, and every single one
of the employees must stay safe and sound in their jobs.
This is very sad, Johnnie Walkers and Kilmarnock are practically synonymous! They go together like, well, whisky and water! Generations of kilmarnock people have worked there. I sincerely hope Diageo will be persuaded to change their minds.
Johnnie Walker must stay
Our thoughts are with the Kilmarnock families, who without any doubt, are the most affected group. Hope everything turns out well!
It would be truly awful if the plant was closed, and the Johnnie Walker link to Kilmarnock was severed forever. I hope that Diageo will reconsider this action.
jonnie walker is kilmarnock
Shocking.
I for one will be refraining from my Guinness until Diageo see sense and keep the heritage alive.
Johnnie Walker is a fundamental part of Kilmarnock’s history and heritage. Everyone in the town must stand together with the 700 workers and fight this disgraceful closure.
Shocked that Diageo would consider this course of action. What a devastating blow for the whole area in Ayrshire. Please, please rethink this fiendish plan, Diageo. Save Johnnie Walker for Kilmarnock and Ayrshire!
I don’t live in Killie but half my family has worked for Walkers at one point or another. It’ll be a sad day for Kilmarnock and the surrounding area in general if diagio close it’s doors!
Good luck! Let’s hope we can keep the striding man in Ayrshire.
a small article i read today hit the nail on the head .It read diageo has killed the goose that laid its golden egg .how true this is
I’m backing your campaign.
Diageo’s decision to shut the plant is shameful. They kept the St James Gate plant (Home of Guinness) open in Dublin because of Diageo’s “commitment to heritage”, where is their commitment to Kilmarnock??
Born in Kilmarnock Staying in Kilmarnock- save Johnnie Walkers!
Disgrace. Multi-billion pound profits and they want even more! It’s enough to drive ye tae drink!
Keep Johnnie in Killie!
Come on people of Kilmarnock! If this closure goes through of Kilmarnock’s biggest employer then 800 local people will lose their jobs and the knock-on effect of this will hit haulage firms, local shops and many more people.
Let us all get behind this campaign!
Hi, I support you!