Maine distiller closing, moving to Kentucky

LEWISTON, Maine - A vodka and rum distillery in Maine owned by the maker of Jim Beam bourbon is closing down and eliminating about 160 jobs.

Beam Inc. announced Thursday that production at its Lewiston plant will gradually be phased out over the next year and operations moved to Frankfort, Ky. The transition is expected to be complete in April 2014.
 
The Lewiston plant makes Pinnacle Vodka and Calico Jack Rum.
 
The Maine plant's 160 employees were told of the decision Thursday. Some will be given the opportunity to apply for jobs in Kentucky.
 
Beam officials tell the Sun Journal the decision was made in the interests of efficiency and cost savings.
 
Beam bought the former White Rock Distilleries in Lewiston last year for $605 million.