The new production line represents a significant enhancement in our capacity, increasing the total number of canning lines at the factory to 10. This expansion will enable us to produce a staggering 610,000 canned soft drinks per hour, up from the previous 560,000, thereby aligning with the latest consumer trends in the food and drink industry.
This strategic expansion will facilitate the production of popular brands such as Tango and Pepsi MAX, thereby tapping into the growing market for soft drinks.
Situated on the Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, the new line is poised to create 34 new jobs in engineering and manufacturing, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable packaging solutions in the food and drink sector. Recruitment for these positions is currently in progress, and the total workforce at this facility will exceed 430, further supporting local economic growth.
Nigel Paine, VP of production at Carlsberg Britvic, stated: “This investment underscores our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in our supply chain. By expanding our production capacity, we can meet the growing demand for our popular brands, create more jobs, and enhance our operational efficiency.”
Jason Stockwood, minister for investment, remarked: “This latest investment is a strong vote of confidence in our world-class food and drink industry – the largest manufacturing sector here in the UK. Not only will their expansion boost production, but it will strengthen the supply chain and help drive economic growth. The new canning line will create more than 30 jobs in Rugby, supporting the local community and putting more money in people’s pockets – a clear example of our Plan for Change in action.”
John Slinger, MP for Rugby, expressed enthusiasm about the new canning line expansion at the Carlsberg Britvic factory. He said: “I’m excited to hear about the recent announcement that the Carlsberg Britvic factory is expanding with another canning line. They are a significant employer in the Rugby community, and this announcement means more jobs for our area, opportunities for young people, and of course more of some of the nation’s favourite soft drinks. I visited earlier in the year and was so impressed by the team and the technology they use. It’s their biggest factory in the UK and one of Europe’s largest soft drinks manufacturing sites by volume, and it’s right in the heart of Rugby.”
This announcement builds on previous investments, including a notable £1.15 million allocation earlier this year, a £13 million canning line in 2023, and a substantial £27 million canning line in 2021, reflecting a strong focus on food and drink sustainability.
The Rugby factory benefits from its proximity to packaging supplier Ardagh Group, allowing for efficient logistics with cans arriving via an underground passage from the neighboring facility. This arrangement exemplifies our commitment to sustainable packaging in the food and drink sector.
Additionally, Carlsberg Britvic has recently allocated £4 million for a new logistics hub at Junction 12 of the M6, north of Wolverhampton, further enhancing our supply chain capabilities.
