Konings’ £35M factory expansion to create 116 jobs

10-Jul-2017 - Last updated on 12-Jul-2017 at 10:19 GMT

Konings’ 335M factory expansion could create up to 116 new jobs

Related tags Manufacturing Anaerobic digestion

Alcoholic beverage manufacturer Konings is to submit plans for a £35M expansion of its factory in Boxford, Suffolk, which will create up to 116 new jobs.

Work would be carried out to install a new canning line for the manufacture of cider, producing up to 203M cans of cider a year, and a new polyethylene terephthalate bottling line. The drinks producer also planned to create extra warehousing for raw materials and finished goods.

Konings said it would increase the amount of green energy it sourced from a local anaerobic digestion plant it supplied apple pomace to – it currently sources 40% of the site’s electricity from the plant. An upgrade to on-site waste water treatment would also be part of the investment.

Site manager Phil Clark said the proposed new development would secure the long-term future of the site.

‘Creation of the additional roles’

“The creation of the additional roles will be good for the local economy at a time when other local businesses have indicated that they may be looking to reduce their workforce,” added Clark.

“Currently, 35% of the Konings portfolio made in our European plants is destined for the UK, so we are keen to establish a UK manufacturing base to enable the manufacture locally within the market”

Konings has met with members of the local community to discuss its expansion plans. It hopes to submit an application for planning permission this month (July).

In its presentation documents, Konings said it wanted the Boxford site to remain a recognised part of the local community, according to local publication Suffolk Free Post.

“These plans have been put together intending to satisfy the next 10 years of growth, but have attempted, wherever possible, to stay within the parameters and limits established by the previous, existing planning permission,” said Konings.

Acquired the Boxford plant

Konings acquired the Boxford plant from PepsiCo in September last year, where it continues to produce PepsiCo’s freshly pressed apple juice Copella.

The past week has seen a number of factory expansion plans announced by food manufacturers.

Cake manufacturer The Cake Crew is to expand its production capacity and recruit more staff after a £500,000 loan from investment firm Finance Wales.

Meanwhile, potato processor McCain Foods has won approval to expand its Scarborough factory, as part of a £100M investment into its operations.