The company will close its operations in Paisley and relocate all employees to the new Kilmalid site over the next three years.

The transfer of activities is set to start in 2018, with completion of the new bottling hall and offices scheduled for completion in 2019.

Laurent Lacassagne, chair and CEO at Chivas Brothers, said: “This £40m investment will enhance and improve our operations and support the development of our global and iconic brands.

“This is a project of significant size and scale for Chivas Brothers which is why which we are announcing our proposal three years in advance.

“We want to provide ample opportunity to manage the transition of our business effectively and for our employees to adjust and adapt to working from a new site.”

Scotland’s economy secretary Keith Brown said the planned investment in the Dumbarton plant demonstrated confidence in the Scottish drinks industry and would provide a boost to the Scottish economy.

However, he added: “While it is encouraging that all employees at Paisley will be offered jobs at the new site, the loss of the Chivas site in Paisley and the effect on the local economy is clearly of concern.

“The first minister spoke to the CEO of Chivas today and the Scottish government is absolutely committed to working with the company, the local authority and local partners to do what we can to minimise local impact and explore positive opportunities for the Paisley economy for the future.”

Scottish Labour MSP for Dumbarton, Jackie Baillie, said it was “fantastic news for Dumbarton and a huge vote of confidence from Chivas in our local economy”.

She added: “People in Dumbarton are proud of our town’s rich whisky heritage and this investment will help secure our place as a producer of Scotland’s national drink for many years to come.”