The answer is bru-ing in the wind, says AG Barr

Irn Bru and Tizer maker AG Barr is considering using windpower to generate energy at its Cumbernauld soft drinks plant as oil prices continue to soar.

The company, which has recently embarked on a £17m restructuring programme to consolidate its Scottish sales, production and distribution activities into the Cumbernauld site, said it was exploring several opportunities to reduce water and energy use, cut waste and reduce packaging costs.

Chief executive Roger White said: “It's just an idea at this stage, but we've got a test rig up at Cumbernauld measuring wind velocity and consistency and seeing whether we can get an accurate estimate of pay back.”

He added: “We've also been very successful at cutting down plastic bottle and film weights and recycling water.”

Continuous improvement programmes were also helping to drive down costs, and improved forecasting had helped reduce inventory, he added. “There is always more you can do. Having said that, when you have a bunch of Scottish accountants running a company, you could say that cost control is pretty well ingrained in the culture.”

See the November issue of Food Manufacture for full interview with Roger White​