Beam Inc., a global premium spirits company, will open its new 600,000 square foot state-of-the-art distribution center on a 92-acre site at 1509 US Highway 421 in Franklin County, Kentucky.

The new center, which will be operated by a third-party logistics provider to be named at a later date, is slated to open in the first quarter of 2015 and employ an estimated 60 individuals. It will exclusively serve Beam's broad portfolio of distilled spirits brands and will warehouse Beam's finished case goods bottled in Frankfort before they are shipped to distributor partners for sale in the U.S. and international markets. Construction is expected to be completed by year-end.

The company’s products include iconic brands such as; Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker's Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher's Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials.

"With two-thirds of Beam's total spirits case volume being produced in Kentucky, having our new Beam long-term distribution facility in close proximity to our production will help us gain increased efficiencies in our supply chain," said David Hunter, Vice President of Global Manufacturing for Beam. "We are excited to be the catalyst for more growth in Kentucky."

"Beam is a company that's on the move, continuously creating opportunities for the Commonwealth," said Gov. Steve Beshear. "As Beam continues to grow for the future, the people of Kentucky benefit by the creation of more jobs and opportunities for years to come."

"The Bourbon industry is a key driver of our economy in the Commonwealth, and Beam is certainly on the forefront of that growth," said Congressman Andy Barr. "The construction of this new distribution facility means the creation of more jobs for central and eastern Kentuckians, and I thank Beam for their contribution to our signature Bourbon industry and the people of our Commonwealth."

This announcement is the latest in Beam's long history of business investments in the Commonwealth. Last year, Beam opened its new Global Business Services Center, reflecting a $2.7 million investment that has brought more than 30 professional jobs to Louisville. In late 2012, Beam opened the Jim Beam American Stillhouse visitors' experience and Global Innovation Center, a combined multi-year investment of $30 million, in Clermont, Ky. Beam currently employs more than 900 people throughout the Commonwealth in Louisville, its Global Innovation Center in Clermont and at its manufacturing plants in Loretto, Frankfort, Clermont and Boston.