Pilgrim’s, a leading pork processor, recently invested £5 million in its factory, focusing on automation, sustainability improvements, and reducing plastics. The investment included £800,000 spent on automation in the packaging facility, enabling the manufacturer to switch easily between single or combi packs using one system. This upgrade has increased the packaging line speed by 12%, allowing the production of over three million packs per week. Additionally, Pilgrim’s implemented state-of-the-art meat slicing and packing technology, boosting line capacity by 25%.
To enhance sustainability, Pilgrim’s allocated £600,000 towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption at the site. This involved replacing the existing vehicle fleet with electric alternatives, as well as upgrading refrigeration and implementing LED lighting throughout the facility. Dave Parker, the site director at Pilgrim’s UK, stated, “We have placed significant effort and focus on our packaging lines to enhance our sustainability credentials. This investment demonstrates our commitment to the ever-evolving UK market. We are proud to set high standards in efficiency and capacity to meet the industry demand responsibly and sustainably.”
Furthermore, the company is dedicated to reducing its plastic waste. By preventing direct incineration, Pilgrim’s has already saved 31 tonnes of plastic this year. This investment aligns with their greenhouse gas reduction plan and their overall objective to maximize operational capacity across all sites.
It is worth mentioning that Pilgrim’s previous investment of £1.8 million at its Bodmin site aimed to expand operational capacity and strengthen sustainability. This expansion allowed the pork processor to broaden its cooked bacon offering and enhance diversification capabilities.
In a similar vein, Heineken, a renowned beverage manufacturer, plans to invest £25 million into its Manchester brewery, focusing on decarbonizing production sites in the UK by the end of the decade.
By making these substantial investments, Pilgrim’s is demonstrating its dedication to the food manufacturing industry, improving efficiency, sustainability, and capacity to meet future demands.
