Pilgrim’s UK invests £5m in Kings Lynn factory

Part of the investment included £800,000 spent on automation in its packaging facility, allowing the manufacturer to flex between single or combi packs through one system. Pilgrim’s said the improvements would speed up packaging line by 12% to produce ore than three million packs per week.

The investment also included new ‘first of its kind’ meat slicing and packing technology that has increased the line capacity by 25%.

Sustainability improvements

A further £600,000 has been spent to drive greenhouse gas and energy reduction across the site. This included replacing the site’s vehicle fleet with electric alternatives and upgrades to refrigeration and LED lighting across the site.

Dave Parker, site director at Pilgrim’s UK, said: “We have put a tremendous amount of effort and focus into our packaging lines to enhance our sustainability credentials. This investment forms the next step in our commitment to the ever-evolving UK market. ​

“I am really proud that the site is continuing to set high standards in efficiency and increasing its capacity to meet the demand, not just in our business, but across the industry.​ We’ve always got an eye on the future, looking for ways to improve what we do, responsibly and sustainably.”​

Commitment to reducing plastics

The site has also committed to reducing plastics going direct to incineration and, so far this year, has saved 31 tonnes of plastic.

As well as contributing to its greenhouse gas reduction plan, this investment forms part of the business’ efforts to maximise operational capacity across its sites.

Pilgrim’s investment into its Kings Lynn factory followed a £1.8m spend at its Bodmin site​​ to expand operational capacity and strengthen the sustainability of its business.

The investment supported the pork processor’s ability to expand its cooked bacon offer and further diversify its capabilities.

Meanwhile, Heineken will invest £25m into its Manchester brewery​​ as part of its plans to decarbonise production sites in the UK by the end of the decade.