Forman, which is expected to generate savings up to $80 million annually, comes as inflation and changing consumer preferences cut into spirits sales.

Spirits giant Brown-Forman Corp. says it’s reducing its global workforce by about 12% and closing its barrel-making plant in Louisville.

Spirits giant Brown-Forman Corp. said Tuesday it's reducing its global workforce by about 12% and closing its hometown barrel-making plant in Louisville. The cost-cutting moves come as

Brown-Forman named new executives and said it will cut about 12% of its global workforce, or roughly 648 jobs, as it undergoes a restructuring aimed to position the company for growth amid a choppy global spirits market.

Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniel's whiskey and Woodford Reserve bourbon, is laying off approximately 12% of its 5,400 employees.