Work begins on Heineken’s HP Bulmer cider plant

Heineken revealed plans to invest in the factory, which also makes Strongbow cider, in April​. Work would include the new build of a process and packaging building, including offices and storage and an extension to the fermentation building to provide a control room and laboratory, said Chalcroft. 

The company also plans to install a new bottling line and process tanks, along with further refurbishment and civils works. The project is due for completion in January 2015. 

£50M investment​ 

“Our significant £50M investment will ensure that we have the capacity and flexibility to ensure that Hereford remains at the centre of our global cider business,”​ said Heineken project manager Mark Smith. 

“It is essential that production remains unaffected whilst the modernisation work takes place and we selected Chalcroft as principal contractor due to their expertise of working on live sites within high-care environments and their understanding of our business.”​ 

Chalcroft construction manager Andy Hardy added: “We are very pleased to be working at HP Bulmers and are working very closely with Heineken and their professional teams to ensure the smooth and safe co-ordination of the project.”​