Suntory Beverage & Food, known for its popular soft drink brands Lucozade and Ribena, is set to enhance its production capabilities in the UK.
In a recent announcement on 25 February, the company revealed plans to invest £25m ($33.9m) towards the construction of a new manufacturing line at its Coleford facility located in south-west England.
The construction of the new line will commence this year in a previously utilized production area. The commissioning of this line is scheduled for early 2027.
Suntory Beverage & Food indicated that the new line will replace two existing Ribena production lines that currently handle both concentrate and ready-to-drink (RTD) formats. This new setup will allow for the operation of both formats on a single line for the first time.
Additionally, this line will also produce Lucozade products. Once fully operational, it is projected to achieve an output of up to 55,000 bottles per hour.
It is important to note that this new line does not signify an expansion of the facility and is not expected to increase the workforce, although regional contractors will be employed during the construction phase.
Karl Ottomar, the supply chain director for Suntory Beverage & Food in the region, stated, “We’re not just replacing factory lines; we’re embracing new technology to future-proof our operations and increase efficiency.”
The Coleford facility serves the UK and Ireland markets, while some Lucozade and Ribena products are exported through Suntory Beverage & Food EECM-Benelux in Amsterdam.
Specifically, Lucozade is exported to Malta, Gibraltar, and the Seychelles, while Ribena is distributed to the Caribbean and Denmark.
Notably, Coleford stands as Suntory Beverage & Food’s sole manufacturing site in the UK and Ireland.
In a separate development, Suntory Beverage & Food announced recently the appointment of Josuke Kimura as the new representative director, president, and CEO. Kimura will succeed Makiko Ono following the upcoming annual shareholders’ meeting and board meeting scheduled next month.
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Key Takeaways
- Suntory Beverage & Food is investing £25m in its UK manufacturing capabilities.
- A new production line will be constructed in Coleford, with operations starting in early 2027.
- The new line will manage both concentrate and ready-to-drink formats of Ribena for the first time.
- Expected output from the line will be up to 55,000 bottles per hour.
- The facility serves both UK and Irish markets, alongside some exports.
FAQ
What products will the new line produce?
The new line will produce both concentrate and ready-to-drink versions of Ribena, as well as Lucozade products.
When will the new line be operational?
The commissioning of the new line is expected to take place in early 2027.
Will this new line increase employment at the facility?
No, the project is not anticipated to increase staff numbers, although regional contractors will be hired during construction.
What is the significance of this investment?
This investment aims to enhance efficiency and integrate new technology into the production process.
In conclusion, Suntory Beverage & Food’s investment in its Coleford facility marks a significant step towards modernization in beverage production. This initiative not only aims to streamline operations but also ensures that the company is well-equipped to meet future demands.
