PepsiCo, a leading food manufacturing company, has recently announced its biggest investment of £58 million in the UK in the last 25 years, focusing on its Walkers Leicester production site. The factory is recognized as one of the world’s largest crisp factories and home to Walkers crisps and snacks, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. PepsiCo aims to upgrade the existing machinery and manufacture new lines while installing sustainable equipment. Besides, the company focuses on upgrading the employee facilities, benefiting its 1,120-strong workforce.
According to Jason Richards, SVP and general manager, PepsiCo UK and Ireland, “As we look ahead to the next 75 years and future-proof our UK operations, this £58 million investment will transform our manufacturing site and installing state-of-the-art equipment will help us deliver on our ambitions on packaging and health”. The investment secures the future of the factory and positions Walkers for further growth in the long-term.
Moreover, the company has invested over £120 million in its UK manufacturing operations and supply chain since 2020, aiming to drive sustainable growth in four specific areas. These areas include producing a new line to meet the demand for Walkers snacks, investing in sustainable equipment, supporting Walkers’ healthier choices ambition, and improving workplace facilities.
The installation of a new line will increase capacity and produce more Walkers snacks, reducing transport-related emissions by an estimated 915 tonnes a year. The company plans to invest in sustainable equipment by changing from gas-fired ovens to electric ones, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the goal is to reduce virgin plastic used in multipack outer packaging by 56 tonnes a year and eliminate fossil-based plastic from its crisp and snack bags by 2030. The company will also bring in technology to enable the development of further healthier ranges from 2024.
Lastly, the upgrades will open up new training and upskilling opportunities, creating up to 100 new roles and positioning the company for progress towards the pep+ commitment goals. This announcement follows PepsiCo’s previous multimillion-pound investments in its Lincoln factory, Southern Region Distribution Centre, and the Skelmersdale and Coventry Walkers sites.
