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Diageo has announced that it is permanently closing its manufacturing facility in Relay, Maryland, following a review of its supply footprint. The facility is slated to close by June, a move that is anticipated to impact around 97 roles out of 108 employees listed on a Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification posted on Friday. In a statement, Diageo told FoodBev: “We do not take these decisions lightly and recognise the impact on our employees”. The drinks giant continued: “For those affected, we are providing support in the form of severance packages, outplacement assistance and employee assistance resources, as well as information on open roles across our organisation”. The closure will not impact the company's hospitality operations at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, which is adjacent to the facility in Relay. Diageo added that it will continue to brew experimental beers to serve the Maryland taproom in the ten-barrel innovation brewery on the ground floor of the visitor centre.