Suntory Commits £25 Million to Coleford Factory for Ribena and Lucozade Production
Japanese drinks company Suntory has announced a significant £25 million investment in its Coleford manufacturing site in Gloucestershire, a move designed to secure the long-term future of the factory that produces the iconic British brands Ribena and Lucozade. This substantial financial injection is part of a broader £57 million investment by Suntory into its manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure across the United Kingdom.
New Apollo 5 Production Line to Enhance Efficiency
The investment will fund the construction of a new production line, named "Apollo 5", at the 80-year-old Coleford plant. This advanced line is scheduled for completion by next year, coinciding with Lucozade's centenary celebrations. The Apollo 5 line will replace two older Ribena production lines and will also be utilized for manufacturing Lucozade, featuring technology that allows for rapid switching between the two products.
Key features of the new line include:
- Enhanced cleaning processes that use less energy and water, improving sustainability.
- A production capacity of 55,000 bottles per hour, boosting output significantly.
- Integration of modern technology to streamline operations and reduce environmental impact.
Strengthening Regional Economy and Sustainability
Elise Seibold, Chief Operating Officer at Suntory Beverage and Food Great Britain and Ireland, emphasized the importance of this investment: "This next chapter is about investing in our factory to strengthen the future of two iconic British brands, Lucozade and Ribena. We're dedicating £25m to this new line to set us up for long-term success and it wouldn't be possible without the support from our Suntory owners in Japan."
She added, "As we celebrate 80 years since our factory was first built, it reinforces our commitment to the Forest of Dean in the South West and we're proud to be major contributors to the regional economy."
In addition to the factory upgrade, Suntory has pledged to collaborate with local businesses during the construction phase, channeling approximately £2.1 million into organizations across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and South Wales. This initiative aims to support the regional economy and foster partnerships within the community.
Political and Community Support for the Investment
Matt Bishop, MP for the Forest of Dean, welcomed the news, stating: "This investment is welcome news for the Forest of Dean. It underlines Suntory Beverage and Food G&I's long-term commitment to the area and the skilled people who work there, producing two of Britain's most known brands. It also shows how our area can be central to the UK's growth mission, driving innovation and manufacturing excellence right here, from the heart of the Forest of Dean."
This investment follows previous sustainability efforts by Suntory at the Coleford site, including initiatives to electrify the plant and reduce reliance on gas power, highlighting the company's ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. The clearance of old factory lines is currently underway to make way for the new Apollo 5 production line, marking a pivotal moment in the factory's history and ensuring its viability for years to come.
