Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I powers up plans to electrify Coleford forest factory in 2026

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I announces £6 million investment to increase its Coleford factory’s access to electricity and make it completely independent of its current gas turbine.

17th December 2024, Coleford, UK: Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain and Ireland (SBF GB&I), the proud producer of Lucozade and Ribena, has submitted plans to invest £6 million into its factory in Coleford to significantly reduce its reliance on natural gas, and secure its future as a key manufacturing site and major employer in the region.

The factory, which has been producing Ribena at the site since 1946, will receive a major electrical upgrade. The new energy model is set to be up and running in 2026 and will see the current 11 Kilovolt (kv) connection that feeds the factory upgraded with a 33kv connection, increasing the factory’s access to electricity purchased from renewable sources.

This upgrade to the factory’s power infrastructure is another significant investment in SBF GB&I’s Forest of Dean factory, following on from the £13m bottling line unveiled in 2020.

The investment will significantly reduce the company’s Scope 1 emissions by an estimated 58%, putting it four years ahead of its 2030 target to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50%. This will then allow greater capacity to focus on future factory improvements and even more emissions reduction projects including exploring the electrification of its steam systems, greater energy efficiency improvements, new heat pump solutions and solar panels.

We are proud of the long history our factory has had in the Forest of Dean, built in 1946 to make our iconic purple blackcurrant Ribena. This £6m investment allows us to make significant upgrades, helping us to reduce our carbon footprint but also demonstrating our long-term commitment to the local area. This type of investment that is good for us, our employees and the planet more broadly is what we mean when we say we’re Growing for Good.

Karl Ottomar, Supply Chain Director, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I
Local authorities will conduct a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to support aims to minimise any impact to the local environment or community.

I’m thrilled to see the £6 million investment in electrifying the Coleford factory, a crucial step in reducing its reliance on natural gas and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. This investment not only secures the future of the factory in Coleford but also highlights its continued role as a major local employer in the Forest. It’s fantastic news for both our local economy and the environment.

Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop
Planning application has now been submitted and once approved, SBF GB&I hopes the new model will be up and running in 2026.
ENDS

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