Stock Polska opens new distillery in Lublin

The first distillery of Stock Polska has commenced operations in Lublin, and it is one of the most modern and largest in Europe. This facility sets new standards in the spirits industry, standing out for the innovation of its production processes, energy efficiency, and environmental care. This investment, worth over 50 million euros, was one of the largest industrial projects in the region in 2023 and is a key element of Stock Spirits Group’s strategy, which focuses on innovation and sustainable development.

The Stock Polska factory in Lublin is a key production hub that has been stimulating the region’s economy for years, contributing to its development and employing hundreds of people. The establishment of this modern distillery for both food-grade (e.g., pure and flavoured vodka) and industrial (pharmaceutical and medical) alcohol guarantees the company full control over the entire production process—from the careful selection of raw materials to the final product. Thanks to advanced automation and integrated monitoring systems, the facility ensures the highest product quality. From the planning phase to the design and construction of this new facility, optimization of energy use and environmental impact was a priority, while ensuring excellent product quality. The new distillery, located at the Stock Polska factory site in Lublin, is a three-storey building with a total area of 5,800 m². Over 300 tons of steel were used in its construction, along with more than 15,500 meters of pipes and 300,000 meters of power and control cables. The building is equipped with more than 39 tanks, including five dedicated grain silos, which can store a total of 2,350 tons of grain. Numerous ecological solutions have been implemented, including green roofs, a cascading heat recovery system, and a wastewater treatment system with biogas production capabilities. The new Stock Polska distillery in Lublin aligns with the strategy announced earlier this year by Stock Spirits Group, which focuses on three key areas: People, Planet, and Processes.

“The first Stock Polska distillery meets the highest production and environmental protection standards. It is based on cooperation with local farmers, from whom we source the best grains and other raw materials. Ensuring the highest product quality on the Polish market has always been our priority. The new distillery enables us to control the production process even better at every stage—from the selection of ingredients to the final product that reaches our customers,” said Marek Sypek, CEO of Stock Polska.

Sustainable Development and the Future The Lublin distillery has been equipped with numerous innovations, including systems that optimize energy processes. Through the thermal integration of process units, waste heat is reused, which will reduce natural gas consumption by up to 3 million cubic meters annually. The fermentation installation, built using closed technology, minimizes odor emissions, while the wastewater treatment system recovers energy in the form of biogas, which is used to produce technological steam. This technology will save hundreds of thousands of gigajoules of energy and up to 100 million liters of water annually, supporting the concept of a closed-loop system. The facility uses renewable energy through LED lighting, which reduces electricity demand for outdoor lighting by 80%. The building’s green roof improves thermal insulation and water retention, while also enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the surroundings. This was an important consideration from the outset of the investment, as evidenced by the absence of tree cutting during the construction phase.

An integral part of the distillery is an analytical laboratory, equipped with the latest technologies, including near-infrared (NIR) analyzers. Every batch of raw materials is automatically tested, ensuring precise selection of ingredients and the highest quality spirit. These advanced analytical solutions allow for the creation of products with exceptional quality parameters.

“The new distillery is proof that advanced technology can go hand in hand with care for local communities and ecology. This investment will allow us to produce the highest quality products in line with sustainable development principles,” added Agnieszka Kielech-Kuźmińska, the plant director in Lublin.

Precision in Production Based on Exceptional Raw Material Control This new investment stands out for its unique approach to the production process, starting with the careful selection of ingredients. Raw materials such as corn, rye, triticale, and barley are meticulously selected and mixed in specific proportions, directly influencing the characteristics and quality of the spirit. Modern, automated production installations and equipment transform these mixtures into high-quality alcohol, and advanced energy integration technologies minimize energy consumption. The first Stock Polska distillery in Lublin is also an example of how technological innovations can support the local economy. The plant is able to process a variety of grain types, which increases supplier opportunities and allows the production process to be adapted to the seasonal availability of raw materials. Close cooperation with regional agricultural producers helps reduce transport costs, supports local agriculture, and fosters lasting business relationships.

As highlighted during the official opening of the distillery by Krzysztof Żuk, the Mayor of Lublin, the Stock Polska investment is an example of how the private sector can support regional development through significant tax contributions to both local and national budgets.

“The new distillery is not only about job creation and support for local suppliers, but also brings tangible benefits for the local government. The funds that will flow into the Lublin budget in the form of taxes and fees will enable us to implement further infrastructure projects, support local social initiatives, and strengthen the city’s attractiveness as a place for investors,” said the Mayor of Lublin.