KO Distilling to Expand Operation, Add Jobs

MANASSAS, VA — KO Distilling is expanding its operation in Manassas, and will invest $675,000 in the site improvements and equipment needed to expand its distillery, tasting room, and remote-licensed ABC store, tripling production capacity at its existing location.

It's the first project in the city to receive discretionary incentives during Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe's administration, and will create six new jobs and source 100 percent of its corn, wheat and rye need from Virginia farms.

KO Distilling president John O'Mara sees bigger things ahead.

"With the new column still and the upgrades to our grain handling system, we are anticipating a 300 percent increase in our production capabilities," he said in a statement. "This will require the use of an additional 300 tons of Virginia grain and an increase in our work force to support the additional production runs."

Said McAuliffe, in announcing the expansion:

"KO Distilling is a great example of the importance a diverse agricultural sector can and will play in building the new Virginia economy. In addition to creating jobs, KO Distilling’s investment in Manassas leverages Virginia’s excellent agriculture assets to bring together multiple aspects of economic development – entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and tourism – in one operation."

KO Distilling, founded in 2013 and opened in 2015, produces gin and white whiskey, and has begun production of aged bourbon, wheat, and rye whiskeys. KO is available in Virginia ABC Stores and throughout D.C.

Photo: KO Distilling