Coca-Cola invests £55m in Sidcup canning plant

Coca-Cola European Partners has opened a new production line at its site in Sidcup, UK.

The investment includes a new £16m production line dedicated to making CCEP’s latest lightweight cans ranging from in size from 330ml to 500ml.

A further £39m was invested in an automated storage and retrieval system warehouse in Sidcup, saving more than 10,000 road miles by HGV trucks and almost four tonnes of CO2 per year.

Rory Kerr, operations director at Coca-Cola European Partners Sidcup, said: “As a truly local business, we are proud to manufacture some of the nation’s favourite drinks – right here from our factory in Sidcup.

“Investing in our people is of the upmost importance to us – helping to continually improve the quality, efficiency and sustainability of our operations, as well as ensuring we can continue to support the growth of a team of highly skilled and dedicated people.

“Investments such as this helps to elevate our business capabilities and support the manufacturing and distribution network in England more broadly.”

Leendert den Hollander, vice-president Coca-Cola European Partners GB, said: “We are passionate about making positive contributions to the communities in which we operate. Sidcup is a great example of the legacy that our local sites can provide our communities while remaining focused on delivering manufacturing excellence throughout our operations in Great Britain.”

After 43 years at CCEP, Sidcup’s longest serving employee, Oliver Fernandes, laboratory analyst, was given the honour of officially open the line with James Brokenshire MP and was then presented with a gift to celebrate his commitment.

MP, James Brokenshire, said: “I welcome Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) commitment to supporting manufacturing in the UK by investing £55 million in its Sidcup operations. This is positive news for the local economy and a further boost for Bexley.”