We’ve met a lovely young man called Joel during our stay here, Graham has adopted him as his Indian son (because of their facial similarities) and David is his dancing partner!
We’ve met an aunt and uncle, brother and other family members and whilst talking to Joel we enquired as to his job, he’s in construction. Joel mentioned his cousin is the Director/owner of a drinks bottling plant and asked if we would like to have a factory tour. Graham plus David plus Alcohol = Definite Yes!!!
A few days later, we met Joel at midday and were introduced to Jay, a supervisor. Jay then took us to see the bottling, labelling and packing lines. Some 200 people were quietly working away (yes, it was surprisingly quiet) rhythmically checking each bottle after it has been filled, putting corks in and caps on, checking the label placement and finally being boxed up and packed ready for delivery.
The production lines that day were filling flavoured Breezer type drinks, gin and fullsized and minature of rum. David is a fan of the Old Monk rum so was particularly interested to watch the bottles being filled, checked, sealed, labelled and packaged.
We went into the storage area where massive stainless steel containers hold the raw products before it is pumped across to the bottling area.
We saw barrels of imported scotch whiskey, waiting to be put into the bottling system. And we watched workers adding the alcopop syrup flavourings before being blended with the fizzy water which is made with demineralised water and gin to make Seltzer drinks.
Afterwards we went up to the Boardroom for coffee and met Mrinal, the current owner and Director. His father started the business some 20 years ago and has expanded into Bosnia and southern India in Bangalore. Dad’s now happily retired.
He confirmed that all staff lodge nearby, work 8 to 5 with regular breaks, work for 2 to 3 years without a holiday (their choice) then go home for a few months with their money, so staff turnover is very low.
In the Boardroom, on display was an impressive selection of their products, lots of flavoured gins and vodkas, whiskies, brandies, port wines as well as rums, liqueurs and pre-mixed cocktails.
Such an interesting few hours, it was lovely to see happy workers, clean premises and the Awards that the company have won for their efforts. It almost felt like we were back at work but without the suits and ties, and the responsibility of course! Thank you to Joel and his cousin Mrinal.
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