Tradition looking forward.
Sempreon™ brings together Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions under one corporate identity, building on more than 85 years of expertise, craftsmanship and trusted relationships. Its capabilities span spirits brand building, distilling, blending, bottling and specialty ingredients. Rooted in its heritage and focused on growth and innovation, Sempreon continues to evolve while creating long-term growth and value.
The name Sempreon reflects the company’s strong foundations, heritage and history, while looking ahead to its future and the legacy it will build. “Semper,” derived from the Latin word for “always,” represents the enduring foundation on which the company was built, while “Aion,” drawn from the Greek word for “eternity,” reflects its forward-looking vision for the future and a legacy designed to last. Together, the name represents a company that honors where it came from while continuing to evolve for what’s next.
Sempreon’s mission, “Creating moments that matter. Building a legacy that lasts,” reflects its commitment to honoring its heritage while continuing to grow, innovate and create lasting impact for generations to come.
What we do
Branded Spirits
Brands built to stand out.
We develop and grow a diverse portfolio of distinctive spirits brands across bourbon, whiskey, tequila and other categories, spanning price points and consumer occasions while building on the company’s longstanding distilling heritage.
Explore Branded SpiritsDistilling Solutions
Expertise from grain to glass.
We provide end-to-end distilling, aging, blending and production services, combining generations of distilling expertise with advanced capabilities and flexible solutions to help spirits producers develop and bring high-quality spirits to market.
Explore Distilling SolutionsIngredient Solutions
Ingredients made to do more.
We develop specialty ingredients, including wheat proteins, starches, dietary fibers and texturized proteins, combining scientific expertise, research and development, and large-scale production capabilities to help food manufacturers meet evolving needs for nutrition, functionality, texture and taste.
Explore Ingredient SolutionsOur history
1941
A company takes root.
Cloud L. Cray, Sr. establishes Midwest Solvents in Atchison, Kansas, initially producing industrial alcohol for wartime use.
1946
From wartime production to spirits.
Following World War II, the company turns its attention to distilled drinking alcohol, beginning a broader chapter in spirits production.
1950
Expanding into whiskey.
The company acquires McCormick Distilling Company in Weston, Missouri, expanding its involvement in the spirits business and adding whiskey, rum, gin and vodka capabilities.
1953
Expanding into ingredient solutions.
The Atchison plant begins recovering vital wheat gluten, laying the foundation for the company’s growing ingredient solutions business.
1957
Officially incorporated.
The business is incorporated in Kansas, establishing the corporate foundation that would continue to evolve for decades to come.
1965
Entering the wheat starch business.
The company launches a wheat starch division, expanding its capabilities in specialty ingredients.
1970s
New possibilities for grain.
The company begins producing ethanol, expanding its distilling capabilities into the growing alternative fuels market.
1980
A new generation leads.
Bud Cray becomes CEO and chairman, and the company expands its footprint by purchasing a production facility in Pekin, Illinois.
1985
A new name for a growing business.
As food-related products become an increasingly important part of the business, the company adopts the name Midwest Grain Products.
1988
Going public.
Midwest Grain Products becomes a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq Exchange.
2002
Becoming MGP Ingredients.
The company changes its name to MGP Ingredients, reflecting its continued evolution across distilling and specialty ingredients.
2011
Acquiring a historic distillery.
MGP Ingredients acquires the Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery, expanding its whiskey production capabilities and adding a historic distilling site to its operations.
2021
MGP acquires Luxco.
MGP Ingredients completes its acquisition of Luxco, uniting complementary strengths, experienced teams, world-class distillation and bottling capabilities, an award-winning spirits portfolio and national distribution.
2023
A new generation of brands joins the family.
MGP Ingredients acquires Penelope Bourbon, one of the fastest-growing premium American whiskey brands, expanding its premium American whiskey portfolio.
2026
New chapter as Sempreon.
Sempreon represents the next chapter for a company shaped by the legacies of MGP Ingredients, Luxco and the many businesses, brands and teams that have joined the organization over time. It brings Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions together under one corporate identity, carrying forward generations of expertise, craftsmanship and trusted relationships.
Serving up inspiration
Hungry (or thirsty) for more? Feast your eyes on these delectable stories of the craft.
Feed Your
Vision
A seasoned culinary artist teams up with Sempreon food experts to craft delectable dishes with the help of our raw ingredients.
More
Spirit of
Home
Distillers across the country reveal how the places they call home and their personal visions influence the spirits they create.
More
Rackhouse Roundtable
See behind the curtain with some of the most intriguing professionals in the distilling business.
MoreFacilities & Certifications
Sempreon’s facilities in Atchison, KS and Lawrenceburg, IN have achieved the highest grade of AA certification from the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety.
Social Responsibility
Sempreon takes pride in our commitment to sustainability and community support.
