Rockwell Automation installs control system at Heaven Hill distillery

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) has deployed its PlantPAx distributed control system at Heaven Hill's new distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, which opened in 2025, according to a press release from the Milwaukee-based company.

The installation was carried out by Opus Integration, a Rockwell Automation partner specializing in industrial control systems. The new facility marks Heaven Hill's return to Bardstown for the first time in decades, after a fire destroyed its previous distillery, where the company had produced bourbon since 1935.

The PlantPAx system provides plant-wide visualization, cybersecurity features, and historical trend analysis. The technology also includes modern interlock objects that allow operators to identify what is preventing equipment from running without reviewing code or contacting support.

"The PlantPAx DCS gives operators greater visibility into the distillery's operations than they've had in the past, allowing them to stay focused on delivering Heaven Hill's iconic products without worrying about the production process," said Don Ault, owner and CEO of Opus Integration.

Heaven Hill, which the press release describes as the world's largest independent bourbon maker, produces brands including Elijah Craig and Evan Williams. The company is reported to be building AI-focused roles to work with production data generated through the PlantPAx system.

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