Diageo expands operations to support growth in the Ready-to-Drink category
Diageo has announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint by installing two high speed can lines at new Plainfield, Illinois site.
With an investment of approximately $80 million, the site will have the capacity to produce over 25 million cases of RTDs per year, including Smirnoff seltzers and the newly launched spirits-based RTD cocktails from Crown Royal and Ketel One Botanicals.
In a published statement, Debra Crew, President, Diageo North America stated: “As the ready-to-drink category continues to grow rapidly in the United States, this expansion is very exciting as it will support our plans to meet increased consumer demand in line with emerging trends for convenient formats that are ideal for casual and at-home occasions.”
Sitting on a 225,000 square-foot property in Plainfield, Illinois, the new facility will include 500 cans per minute (CPM) line and a 1200 CPM line, both of which are expected to be available for commercial production by summer of 2021.
“The new operation will supplement our existing ready-to-drink production across North America and strengthen our path to continue building our RTD offering,” Crew added.
Following its launch, the new site will employ approximately 50 full-time team members.
Perry Jones, President, North America Supply for Diageo announced: “The strategic location of the new site, near our warehouse and Plainfield bottling operation, will allow Diageo to create synergies and the flexibility to expand and carry other market-leading brands in the future. We are thrilled to expand our manufacturing footprint and further deepen our relationship with the Village of Plainfield.”
Diageo’s presence has grown and expanded over the years: the Plainfield Bottling site -opened since 1966- and the warehouse collectively employ more than 600 additional people.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Comment
No comments found.