At the heart of Heaven Hill’s Raise the Bar strategy is a belief that real progress starts with people. Nowhere is that clearer than inside our production facilities, where our teams are advancing operational excellence through the Heaven Hill Production System (HHPS). HHPS is a comprehensive, people-centered framework that integrates lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement, and a focus on safety and quality to drive long-term value.

In recent months, the Bardstown, KY Bottling team has led the way, deepening engagement with Total Productive Maintenance principles. On the surface, that means optimizing processes and equipment performance—but at its heart, it’s about empowering teams to lead improvement every day, one of our Spirited Commitment core behaviors. With stronger systems and deeper collaboration, operators are driving consistency and reliability—powered by pride in their work.

Co-President Allan Latts reflected, “You can feel the momentum building—and that’s how we’ll drive the productivity needed to win in a hyper-competitive market.”

That momentum is already making an impact. “What we’re seeing here is not an accident,” said Josh Anderson. “It’s the result of a team that’s fully engaged in finding better ways to work and committed to sustaining those gains.”

With eleven bottling lines at the facility, focusing efforts where they can deliver the greatest impact is key. M Line, the largest packaging line in the facility, was one of four lines selected to lead the way. Since spring, the team who works on M Line has made steady progress by strengthening equipment reliability, refining roles and responsibilities, and standardizing management of daily performance.

Josh also pointed to the collaboration behind the effort. “There’s been a shared focus on win-win solutions. Everyone is aligned on the outcome: we want the equipment to run better. And that kind of unity is powerful.”

Looking ahead, Anna Frey, Director of Continuous Improvement, is optimistic about what’s next. “We’re already seeing higher levels of reliability and stability,” she said. “We’re going to keep investing in people, building skills, and chasing what’s possible.”

At its core, HHPS is about more than tools—it’s about empowering people to drive progress. As Anna put it, “The power lies in setting a goal, building a plan, and having the courage to learn as you go.”

The team’s success on M Line reflects the heart of Heaven Hill’s Raise the Bar strategy—growing our people while driving performance that fuels our future, one that’s as sustainable as it is spirited.