The funds will go towards the facility’s sixth bottling line, creating 18 new jobs in the process and bringing the headcount to more than 240 people.
Britvic said that the move comes in response to growing demand for its products and will help the brand reach its growth targets. The additional bottling line is projected to increase production capacity by almost 30%.
Designed to unlock new technological capabilities, the sixth line should also operate faster and more efficiently. New staff members hired will be required to complete a 12-week training course prior to starting work on the line as Britvic seeks to provide its employees with the required knowledge to manage the machinery.
Popular soft drinks such as Pepsi Max and Tango are produced at the Beckton site, with the first products completed on the new line expected to be available on grocery store shelves from early September.
Britvic investing in multiple business areas
The line was officially opened by chief executive Simon Litherland, chairman Ian Durant and supply chain director Nigel Paine this month (August 2023).
“Opening the sixth bottling line at Beckton marks the latest milestone in a series of investments into our supply chain,” Paine said following the opening.
“As we continue to grow and meet increasing demand, boosting our capacity at the Beckton site allows us to keep delivering on our goals and create a resilient business.”
In addition to the new line, Britvic recently invested £8m to improve energy efficiency at its Beckton facility, with the changes designed to cut carbon emissions and energy usage. GEA partnered with the drinks giant on the project, which started earlier this summer.
A further £40m was invested into new canning lines at its factory in Rugby, while the brand also spent £19m upgrading its national distribution centre.
In other news, more than 200 jobs are set to be lost following the closure of food factory in the North East.
