It was a double win for McMillan Coppersmiths and Fabricators last night at the Made in Scotland Awards. Held at the Glasgow Science Centre, McMillan were singled out against several leading manufacturers across the country for;
Manufacturer of the Year – The team were applauded for their efforts in continuing to handcraft traditional Scottish copper distillation equipment for the world’s biggest distilled spirits producers whilst inspiring the next generation of coppersmiths to adopt the craft. With increased revenue, larger projects and investment into its facilities, McMillan’s has gone from strength to strength.
McMillan Coppersmiths have been part of global engineering firm, Briggs of Burton, since 2020.
George Crombie, Engineering Director at Briggs of Burton, said:
“This award recognises the outstanding work and commitment of our team who continue to go above and beyond, we couldn’t be prouder. McMillan’s team of coppersmiths, apprentices and engineers have been influential in designing and manufacturing copper distillation equipment to produce Scotch whisky, Tequila, Gin, and a range of global whiskies. They are continuing a highly specialised craft which is at the heart of the distilled spirits industry and the company is one of the oldest coppersmiths in the world, having been founded in 1867. These awards celebrate the success of the team who always strive to deliver what they promise.”
Jakub Spiewak, Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year – Jakub was recognised for being instrumental in building copper distillation equipment for major distillery expansion projects in Scotland and beyond. He has also been involved in producing copper distillation equipment for breweries looking to grow into the Distilled Spirits market whilst supporting the business at various careers fairs to promote their apprenticeship scheme.
Jakub Spiewak, craft apprentice at McMillan Coppersmiths, said:
“The knowledge and experience I have gained from the team since starting my apprenticeship has enabled me to progress to where I am today. My goal is to progress into more senior roles at McMillan and pass down the skills and knowledge I have gained to the next generation of apprentices here. I have had the opportunity to travel throughout Scotland installing and modifying our equipment and look forward to experiencing other aspects of engineering, management and operations before completing my craft apprenticeship next year.”
About McMillan Coppersmiths and Fabricators
McMillan Coppersmiths and Fabricators based in Prestonpans; Edinburgh are a traditional Scottish based copper distillation equipment manufacturer. McMillan and its predecessor Archibald McMillan & Co Ltd have been a significant force in the domestic and worldwide supply of copper distilling equipment since the company was originally founded in 1867. McMillan have standard copper pot still designs for most spirit types and have the capability to design bespoke stills, columns, and distillation systems. Part of Briggs of Burton Group since 2020, McMillan have played a key role in supporting the group deliver large scale Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects for the global distilled spirits industry. Most recently McMillan’s team of thirty
coppersmiths, apprentices and engineers have been influential in designing and manufacturing copper distillation equipment to produce Scotch whisky, Tequila, Gin, and a range of global whiskies.
