Britvic has announced a £22.5m investment to expand its bottling capacity at the Beckton factory. The upgrade is aimed at supporting the company’s future growth and meeting rising demand.
- The installation of a sixth bottling line will enhance the production capacity by nearly 30%.
- This initiative will create 18 new engineering and manufacturing jobs within the local community.
- Modern equipment will facilitate faster production of brands like Tango and Pepsi Max, with products expected on shelves by early September.
- This investment follows a recent £13m addition at Britvic’s Rugby plant to further boost production abilities.
Britvic, a major player in the soft drinks industry, has committed £22.5 million to establishing a new bottling line at its East London factory in Beckton. This move is strategically aligned with Britvic’s long-term growth aspirations and aims to address the increasing market demand.
The newly introduced bottling line is projected to elevate the production capacity at the Beckton site by approximately 30%, which is significant for the company’s operational output. The incorporation of cutting-edge manufacturing technology will ensure more rapid and efficient production, particularly for popular brands such as Tango and Pepsi Max. It is anticipated that the first wave of products from this upgraded line will become available in the market by early September.
Furthermore, this development will contribute positively to the local economy by creating 18 new roles in engineering and manufacturing. These new hires will undergo a comprehensive 12-week training programme, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate the advanced machinery and manage the new production line effectively.
Nigel Paine, the supply chain director of Britvic, along with CEO Simon Litherland and chairman Ian Durant, highlighted the significance of this investment. Paine remarked that opening the sixth bottling line at Beckton is a crucial step in a sequence of investments into their supply chain. ‘As we continue to grow and meet increasing demand, boosting our capacity at the Beckton site allows us to keep delivering on our goals and create a resilient business,’ Paine stated.
This substantial investment at Beckton follows a similar initiative at Britvic’s Rugby factory, where £13 million was recently spent on adding a fifth canning line. This installation aims to enhance capacity by 14%, with the facility capable of producing 80,000 recyclable 330ml cans per hour.
Britvic’s strategic investments in its production capabilities underscore its commitment to growth and operational excellence in meeting future demands.
