UK – Heineken UK, the nation’s largest pub, beer, and cider company, has announced a substantial investment of £25 million (US$28.05m) into its Manchester brewery.
The move comes shortly after the company secured a generous government grant aimed at promoting innovation and sustainability in the beverage sector.
The decision to inject these funds into the Manchester brewery underscores Heineken’s commitment to expanding its operations and enhancing its production capabilities.
The brewery, already a staple in the region, will now undergo a comprehensive modernization and expansion process.
The funds will also be utilized to implement cutting-edge technology and innovative processes that will reduce the brewery’s carbon footprint significantly.
The plant produces more than 700 million pints of Heineken, Birra Moretti, and Foster’s every year and is to significantly reduce its reliance on gas.
The beer giant said that would be achieved through installing heat pumps that are powered by renewably sourced electricity.
The heat will be redistributed and reused to power other brewing stages, such as mashing, pasteurization, and washing returnable kegs.
The heat pump system will replace gas, which has been used to generate the heat needed for certain parts of the brewing process.
Heineken estimates it will result in a 45% reduction in gas use at the site, with work expected to be finished by the end of 2024.
The British government’s grant initiative, introduced in response to the ever-evolving environmental and economic challenges, encourages businesses to adopt greener practices and invest in state-of-the-art technology.
A £3.7 million grant from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero will be used to install technology to capture heat from sources including the refrigeration units on site.
By supporting such initiatives, the government aims to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing and environmentally conscious practices.
The UK government is playing a vital role in encouraging companies to pursue sustainable practices while bolstering economic growth and job creation.
Sarah Green, the CEO of Heineken UK, expressed her enthusiasm for the future of the Manchester brewery and the positive impact it will have on the community.
She stated: “We are thrilled to be making this substantial investment in our Manchester brewery. This is a testament to our commitment to sustainable brewing practices and to the incredible team at our Manchester site. The grant from the UK government has given us the impetus to fast-track our plans and push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of eco-friendly brewing.
With construction and development set to begin in the coming months, the future looks bright for the Manchester Brewery and the wider community.
The move aligns with HEINEKEN’s worldwide goals to achieve net zero emissions in scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, inclusive of its UK production facilities in Manchester, Tadcaster, and Hereford, and across the full value chain (scope 3) by 2040.
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