Bermuda-based Bacardi Ltd. has announced the initial phase of its $250 million dollar investment in Scotch whisky production has been completed.

This investment is to meet growing demand for the premium portfolio of Dewar's Scotch whiskies, which are among the top-selling, favourite and most awarded Scotches in the world.

"Demand for Dewar's Scotch whiskies has grown significantly in the United States, Asia and other emerging markets and we are excited to have completed the first phase of a new infrastructure project to support higher inventories of maturing whisky and increase our blending, bottling and packing capabilities," said Séamus McBride, president and CEO of Bacardi Ltd.

Dewar's has undertaken a redevelopment of an existing site in Parkhead, Glasgow, and has built five new maturation warehouses and a new blend centre, as well as installed new bottling lines and packing equipment. The Dewar's expansion project, which started in July 2007 and was one of the most significant investments ever in the Scotch industry at the time, will be completed in phases over 10 years.

The company has also bought more than 100 acres in central Scotland and developed a second maturation facility including six warehouses where Dewar's ages whisky for flavour and smoothness. Three more aging warehouses are currently under construction and a blending facility will be built next year.