Glenmorangie operates across numerous sites in Scotland, producing six million litres of whisky a year, which are distributed to retailers and consumers across the globe. 

For the best part of a decade, Glenmorangie has worked with G4S. The contract initially provided manned guarding services, but later G4S was given the opportunity to introduce technology-based fire and security solutions across the company’s Scottish estate.  

A holistic risk-based solution was developed around the specific requirements of their business, with a high focus on fire detection and intelligent around-the-clock surveillance. 

Mitigating the risk of material loss

Founded in 1843, Glenmorangie pioneered the art of extra-maturation - now widely used throughout the whisky industry - with many of its casks needing to be matured for up to 25 years before distribution.

Keeping these casks safe during their maturation phase is crucial for the company, making its maturation facilities some of the most business critical. At each site, G4S carried out a risk- based analysis using its market leading solutions design methodology, ‘Effects Based Security Design’.

Experts designed an extensive programme to enhance the fire detection and security provision across these key locations, with a particular focus on the installation of best in class systems to include fire detection and alarm, access control and CCTV. For example, an advanced smoke detection system was introduced which constantly monitors the air to detect very early levels of smoke, ensuring a quicker response in the event of a fire.

In addition to the maturation facilities, other business critical sites include Glenmorangie’s corporate headquarters in Edinburgh, two world-famous distilleries in Tain and and on the island of Islay, and the state-of-the-art bottling plant in Livingston, which are also equipped with high-end CCTV and access control systems. All systems operate on the same platform across the entire estate.

Traditional production techniques, modern security solutions

The partnership between G4S and Glenmorangie is both strategic and operational. Quarterly strategy meetings take place at director level to assess levels of risk around the business and introduce innovative solutions in response. In addition, the current solutions and systems provided by G4S are regularly maintained by engineers to ensure not only compliance but also continued high performance.