Diageo invests £40.5m in NI and Runcorn packaging factories

01-Apr-2022 - Last updated on 01-Apr-2022 at 13:43 GMT

£40.5m will be invested in two packaging sites to support the growth of Guinness Draught and Guinness Zero

Diageo is investing £40.5m to expand capacity at its packaging facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Runcorn, England, which is set to support the growth of Guinness Draught and Guinness Zero.

The facility in Belfast will more than double its canning production, with a £24.5m investment that will convert existing warehouses into a new packaging line capable of producing 72,000 cans per hour.

A further £16m will be invested at the Runcorn site to significantly upgrade its bottling line and expand warehousing capacity.

Diageo said it was making the investment to meet global demand for Guinness products from domestic and export markets, with the expansion set to support accelerated production and product innovation. It would enhance efficiency and competitiveness at both sites, according to the brewer and distiller.

Construction is set to begin immediately with capacity at both facilities expected to come online in 2023.

'Significant investment'

“This expansion is a significant investment in the development of our packaging facilities," said Aidan Crowe, operations director for beer at Diageo. "The projects in Belfast and Runcorn will support our growth ambitions, helping us to deliver end-to-end product innovation, and reinforce our agility to meet demand and provide excellent service to our customers around the world.”

Stewart Hancock, operations manager at Diageo’s Runcorn site, added: “This is an exciting time for our site in Runcorn as we invest in our business to support the growth of our business. We contribute considerably to the local economy in Runcorn and the £16m investment will further support our supply chains and local communities.”

Commenting on the news, Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale and local MP for the Runcorn Site, said: “Diageo's bottling and packaging plant in Runcorn is a significant part of the local economy and it is great news to see British businesses like Diageo investing in and expanding their facilities in the local area.”