New £13m line opens at Coleford Lucozade factory
Able to fill 55,000 bottles an hour, the line requires 40% less water and energy than its predecessor, due in part to dry aseptic technology, which uses heat and pressured air instead of water to clean bottles before they are filled.
The drinks maker said the improvements resulted in a 4.4% reduction in energy and water consumption for the site as a whole.
Speaking at the opening of the line, chief operating officer for the UK and Ireland Carol Robert said the launch was significant for the manufacturer and formed part of its ‘Growing for Good’ sustainability scheme.
Commitment to environment
“It’s fantastic to have been able to invest £13m in this line and to deliver a 40% reduction in the energy and water required to make each bottle,” she added. “In doing so, we are making an important commitment to both the environment and our consumers.
“This investment is a vote of confidence by Suntory Beverage & Food in our UK and Gloucestershire operations, ensuring our factory in Coleford continues to be a best-in-class facility for years to come.”
Liz Truss, secretary of state for international trade, said the investment into the Coleford factory was a great sign of confidence for the community and a brilliant example of the success international businesses could find in the UK.
‘Foreign direct investment’
“My department is committed to supporting foreign direct investment across the UK that will help to create new jobs and boost local economies and deliver on levelling up our great country,” Truss continued.
The investment represented a £10m spent on new production and processing equipment with a further £3m invested directly in local contractors, who built and installed the supporting infrastructure for the new line.
Councillor Nick Penny, mayor of Coleford, added: “The Coleford factory is our largest employer and the backbone of our local economy. To see the realisation of an investment of this level that also brings significant environmental benefits is great news for Coleford.”
Meanwhile, Harrogate-based Rooster’s Brewing Company has invested £850,000 in a new brewery and taproom in a bid to meet demand for its range of craft beers.
