According to Princes, the move would double production capacity through the installation of seven new production lines, in addition to a significant upgrade and refurbishment of two existing lines.
Once its transformation is complete, the Cardiff site will have the capacity to produce ambient, mini and chilled drinks. Princes said it planned to expand its product range beyond fruit juice and enter new markets. The investment will also boost the site’s warehousing and logistical capabilities.
Barry McDonnell, chief operations officer at Princes, said: “This is an important milestone in our £60m investment programme at Cardiff, which will future-proof the site and our manufacturing capabilities.
Dedication during the pandemic
“The past 12 months have of course been challenging. However, our dedicated on-site project and operational teams collaborated to adopt COVID-19 secure practices, while working to meet increased customer and consumer demand for our products and progress construction works.”
Already a major employer in the area, Princes investment in the Cardiff site has created 80 new jobs, with a further 50 set to be recruited later this year.
“Through this development programme, we are firmly committed to contributing to a sustainable and successful future for the soft drinks industry and British manufacturing overall, and providing long-term, high quality employment opportunities in the area,” McDonnell added.
Princes said the investment would reduce its carbon footprint through increased efficiencies and the use of more environmentally friendly carton materials. Completion of the site upgrade is on track to be completed this year, with the factory to remain operational throughout.
Welcome announcement
Commenting on the investment, Welsh government minister for rural affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “This news is very welcome after such an incredibly difficult year for our food and drink producers and our economy as a whole.
“I am pleased the Welsh Government is supporting this project and it will be key in helping Princes enter new and exciting markets, meet their waste reduction targets and create new employment opportunities in the industry.”
Princes’ Cardiff site is used by the manufacturer as a centre of excellence for fruit juice. It produces Princes, Jucee and customer own label products. The site currently produces one-litre, ambient juices, multipacks and ready to merchandise display units.
Meanwhile, confectionery manufacturer Haribo has invested £22m into its Castleford, West Yorkshire site to boost manufacturing capability.
