UK – Japan’s food and drinks company, Suntory Beverage & Food has invested US$16.72 million (£13 million) in its UK-based subsidiary Lucozade Ribena Suntory to install a new, high-speed bottle filler.
The new filler, installed at its factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire will produce 1.3 million bottles a day.
The funding will be invested in new production and processing equipment and directly in local contractors who will build and install supporting infrastructure for the new line.
According to Lucozade Ribena Suntory, the new filler will also support the company’s global sustainability strategy by reducing the amount of water and energy used during the manufacturing process.
The amount of water and energy required to produce each bottle will be reduced by 40%.
The new line is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
“We see our Coleford factory as the heartbeat of our UK operations and we are proud that it is one of the most efficient factories across the globe.
“Our parent company Suntory Beverage & Food recognises this status and their £13 million investment is a vote of confidence in our UK and Gloucestershire operations, ensuring Coleford continues to be a best in class site for years to come,” said Chris Kane, supply chain operations director at Lucozade Ribena Suntory.
The new line will be staffed by employees that the subsidiary has trained through its apprenticeship levy.
The investment comes as Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the UK this week and met with Theresa May.
Speaking on the development, Liam Fox MP, international trade secretary, said: “Japan is an important trading partner and we are committed to creating an even stronger trading relationship as we leave the European Union, which will help to increase investment and support jobs throughout the UK.
“This £13 million investment by Lucozade Ribena Suntory in its Gloucestershire factory is great news for local businesses, customers and the economy and will help support more than 330 jobs in the local area.”
