The food and drink manufacturer said the investment in the sites would increase production capacity and efficiency as well as paving the way for further growth.
The baked beans cooker was chosen to boost operating speed and reduce energy used during the manufacturing process at Princes’ canned food site in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.
The factory’s roof will be removed in January 2017 in order to install the new cooker using a crane. It is expected to be fully operational by May 2017.
Canned and pouched products
Pledge from Princes
“We are absolutely committed to investing in our manufacturing sites.”
- Ruth Simpson, corporate relations director, Princes
Princes corporate relations director Ruth Simpson said the firm was committed to the site, which produces canned and pouched baked beans, soups, pulses, pasta, vegetables and sauces.
“We are constantly seeking new energy efficiencies throughout all our sites, and the opportunity to reduce our energy consumption with this new cooker was a key consideration in the investment,” she said.
Meanwhile, Princes has also announced the introduction of a new ready-to-drink bottling line as part of an investment in its Bradford factory this year.
The new line, which produces 250ml and 500ml bottles, could lead to further growth and the development of new products.
Opens up additional capacity
“The installation of a new ready-to-drink bottling line opens up additional capacity to meet consumer demand for our products and to develop new ones, and firmly cements our commitment to soft drinks production in Bradford,” Simpson said.
“We are absolutely committed to investing in our manufacturing sites and are continually reviewing our facilities to ensure their efficiency and ability to meet changing consumer needs.”
The latest investment follows the opening of an on-site warehouse and ingredients processing centre at the Bradford site about two years ago.
The factory employs more than 350 people and produces over 400M bottles of soft drinks each year.