Suntory invests £13m in Gloucestershire plant
The investment will see about £10m spent on new production and processing equipment, with a further £3m invested directly into building and installing the supporting infrastructure for the new line.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory will staff the line with employees the company has trained through its use of the apprenticeship levy and it is expected to produce 1.3m bottles a day.
Commenting on the new line, supply chain operations director Chris Kane said: “We see our Coleford factory as the heartbeat of our UK operations and we are proud that it is one of the most efficient factories across the globe.
‘Vote of confidence’
“Our parent company, Suntory Beverage & Food, recognises this status and their £13m investment is a vote of confidence in our UK and Gloucestershire operations, ensuring Coleford continues to be a best-in-class site for years to come.”
Lucozade Ribena Suntory said the filler supported its global sustainability strategy by reducing the amount of water and energy used during the manufacturing process – down 40% per bottle.
The installation of the new filler is set to commence in spring 2019 and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
Strong trading relationship
International trade secretary Liam Fox said investment in the plant by Japanese owner Suntory was helping to create a strong trading relationship between the UK and Japan, which would be essential as the country left the EU.
He added: “This £13m investment by Lucozade Ribena Suntory in its Gloucestershire factory is great news for local businesses, customers and the economy, and will help support more than 330 jobs in the local area.”
Meanwhile, High Pressure Processing service provider Deli 24 has invested £2m to help double its capacity.
