Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the world’s largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola, has announced a new £31 million investment at its manufacturing site in Wakefield, Europe’s largest soft drinks plant by volume. The investment will support the development of a state-of-the-art canning line and promote a more diverse workforce.
The new canning line, set to be operational in 2024, will have a production capacity of 2,000 cans per minute, enabling the manufacturing of CCEP’s light-weight 330ml cans. The line will incorporate advanced technologies to minimize energy, water, and CO2 consumption, including air rinsing capabilities, dry lubrication on conveyors, and an auto-sleep function on motors.
Furthermore, the investment will contribute to infrastructure upgrades at the Wakefield site, optimizing production efficiency and accommodating future innovations. These upgrades include the construction of a new raw materials storage warehouse, additional utilities storage, and the expansion of existing facilities. Notably, the site has already invested £118 million in improvements since 2017.
As part of its sustainability action plan, This is Forward, CCEP is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in its supply chain. The Wakefield site aims to attract women and individuals who may not have previously considered careers in manufacturing. To achieve this, CCEP has opened multiple vacancies, including positions for the new canning line, specifically targeting individuals with little to no previous manufacturing experience. The company’s apprenticeship program has also evolved to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
Vanessa Smith, director of supply chain operations at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, emphasized the company’s dedication to the Wakefield site and its commitment to welcoming women and other underrepresented groups into manufacturing, logistics, and distribution roles. Smith stated, “We’re shifting hiring processes to focus on skills and aptitude rather than just historical qualifications, for example, and are offering more flexible working options to better suit a range of lifestyles.”
Stephen Moorhouse, vice-president and general manager of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (GB), highlighted the significance of the Wakefield site as a hub for modern manufacturing jobs and cutting-edge technologies. The company has invested over £100 million in the factory over the past five years, not only advancing their path to net zero emissions but also contributing to the local economy.
