Penderyn Distillery, the pioneer of the modern Welsh whisky revival, has recently undergone significant expansion and restoration to meet growing global demand. Founded in 1999, it was the first whisky distillery in Wales for over a century, launching its inaugural single malt on St David’s Day in 2004.

Situated at the Hafod Morfa Copperworks site on the northern side of Swansea, Penderyn Distillery is accommodated within two of the existing modified Grade II listed structures (Whiskey Distillery and Bonded Barrel Store) and connected to a new build Visitor Centre and shop adjacent. The site has been restored through grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Welsh Government.  

Upgrade and Expansion Works

Penderyn has expanded from its original base in the Brecon Beacons to operate three distinct distillery sites across Wales.

• Swansea Copperworks Distillery (Opened 2023): This flagship £15 million redevelopment project restored the historic Hafod Morfa Copperworks, once the world center of copper smelting.

  • Restoration: The Grade II listed Powerhouse was refurbished to house the distillery and tasting room. Restoration included recreating the original clock tower and repairing historic cast iron supports.

  • New Facilities: The site features a contemporary new-build visitor center, a barrel store in the historic rolling mill, an exhibition space, and a shop.

  • Engineering: Mechanical and electrical works included installing HVAC systems, electrical distribution, and specialized smoke ventilation.

  • Capacity: The Swansea site can produce 400,000 liters of pure alcohol annually, increasing Penderyn’s total production capacity by up to 130%.

Dewick & Associates worked with RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services, the Mechanical and Electrical Contractor for the project to provide O&M Manuals and As Fitted Drawings.  

Key highlights of the project include:

• Mechanical Installations: Efficient sewer drainage, hot and cold water systems, and a low-pressure hot water heating system powered by a gas-fired condensing boiler. This includes radiators, trench heaters, overdoor heaters, and an air handling unit within the existing buildings, plus a VRF air conditioning system for the Visitor Centre and Shop.
• Electrical Installations: Power solutions for process and general systems, electrical vehicle charging, comprehensive lighting (including emergency lighting), and advanced communications and security systems.

The project has achieved the Wales Heritage Award at RICS ((Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards for the project.

The Importance of System Maintenance in Distillery Environments

Distillery facilities rely on a range of building services systems to maintain stable and controlled operating conditions. Mechanical systems, water supply infrastructure, ventilation and specialist processing equipment all work together to support consistent production and product quality.

Because these systems often operate continuously, regular maintenance and clear operational guidance are essential. Without accurate documentation, facilities teams may face challenges understanding system configuration, locating assets or following correct servicing procedures.

High-quality O&M manuals and as-fitted drawings provide a reliable reference point for building operators. They document installed equipment, commissioning information and maintenance requirements, ensuring systems can be serviced correctly throughout the life of the facility.

For specialist environments such as distilleries, where environmental conditions and process reliability are critical, well-structured technical documentation helps reduce operational risk, supports compliance and ensures systems continue to perform as designed.

Click here to download a PDF Case Study of this project

About Penderyn Distillery

Penderyn is renowned for its unique distillation process and a light, fruit-forward house style.

• The Faraday Still: Penderyn uses a unique copper single-pot still designed by Dr. David Faraday. Unlike traditional Scotch stills, it produces spirit at an industry-high 92% ABV, resulting in a cleaner and more elegant profile.

• Water Source: The distillery uses soft spring water drawn from its own borehole directly beneath the Brecon Beacons National Park.

• Signature Style: Most Penderyn whiskies are matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Madeira wine casks, which provide a soft, creamy, and toffee-flavored finish.

• Global Recognition: Penderyn exports to over 50 countries and has won more than 100 international awards. In addition to whisky, the distillery produces award-winning gin and vodka.

Resources and Credits

Image credit – This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. Attribution: Penderyn Distillery, Landore by Chris Allen

Contractor: RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services – As a leading UK building services and maintenance company, we have gained our renowned reputation over the last 35 years for working closely with you – the customer; delivering bespoke, innovative, and flexible designs to maximise the potential of your project. Whatever the size or complexity of your project, you can look forward to superb quality and value for money when you contact us.