A SOUTH Ceredigion distillery will create new jobs after being granted planning permission by Ceredigion County Council for a multi-million pound development.

The distillery, founded in January 2018, now has the go-ahead to extend and develop the existing building and build a cask and grain store.

The distillery also has pre-planning approval to create an industry-leading education and research centre for Wales at the site at Tanygroes, just north of Cardigan.

The company said the expansion would “create new employment opportunities”, as well as boost tourism in the area.

Joe Lewis, business manager for In the Welsh Wind, said “We are delighted that our planning application has been granted.

“The potential for a high-class business on this prime site has never been fully reached.

“This planning permission paves the way for us to build a world-class distillery business here in West Wales with the addition of quality buildings designed to allow for growth and to showcase our gins and our grain to glass Welsh malt whisky.”

The distillery moved from its original premises in a renovated cowshed into the iconic Gogerddan Arms pub in March 2019.

The business exercised its option to purchase the premises in early 2020, taking ownership days before the first lockdown.

Although initially producing award-winning custom branded spirits for other businesses, the team at In the Welsh Wind released its first own brand gin, In the Welsh Wind Signature Style, in summer 2020.

The distillery also produced over 30,000 litres of hand sanitiser in the first months of lockdown.

Alongside gin and hand sanitiser production, the distillery spent 2020 pioneering its ‘grain to glass’ Welsh single malt whisky project.

Alex Jungmayr, co-founder and distillery owner, said: “The development of the distillery site will not only enhance In the Welsh Wind’s production, it will contribute to the economy of the local area, both as a tourist attraction and as an employer.

“The business has taken the lead in offering work experience opportunities to young people in the area and has recently taken on an apprentice distiller and will offer four Kickstart placements over the next few months.”

“Our successful, rapid growth business intends to become a landmark business (and brand) and visitor destination for not only Ceredigion, but for Wales, creating significant employment opportunity and cross spectrum revenue from on site visitors.

“In order to continue to develop and grow as a business in our local community, and as a wider contributor to the economy, the development of our site to fit our plans is vital.”

The company said the expanded storage and office would be the first part of a two phase development which would later involve a residential education centre for the industry along with self-catering units.