Around £28 million has been invested in Coca-Cola's large manufacturing site in Sidcup, funding a number of new state-of-the-art technologies.

The site, which operates 10 production lines and is the only Coca-Cola GB site to produce 150ml and 250ml cans, has received the boost of funding

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the world’s largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola, has announced the investment coinciding with the site’s 60th anniversary.

The £28 million has funded a state-of-the-art high-speed canning line, capable of producing 2,000 cans per minute, elevating the site’s production capabilities and supporting the production of sustainable packaging for CCEP’s well-known brands.

News Shopper: 60th Birthday celebration event at Coca-Cola site in Sidcup, Kent.60th Birthday celebration event at Coca-Cola site in Sidcup, Kent.

Rory Kerr, Operations Director at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Sidcup, said: “Our 60th anniversary demonstrates our long-term commitment to Sidcup. We’re proud to be a truly local business, thanks to the continued passion and dedication of our workforce to evolve our Sidcup site and the sustainability of our operations.

“The latest investment will help to boost our production capacity, using the latest manufacturing innovations to produce some of the most loved, well-known global brands from right here in Sidcup.”

Stephen Moorhouse, Vice-President and General Manager, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (GB), said: “Our people and the communities we operate in play a big part in the success of the Coca-Cola brand. We’ve been part of the community in Sidcup for 60 years, and this £28million investment underscores our ongoing commitment to the site and the local area.

News Shopper: 60th Birthday celebration event at Coca-Cola site in Sidcup, Kent60th Birthday celebration event at Coca-Cola site in Sidcup, Kent

“The investment is also an important milestone in our sustainability journey, helping us to achieve the ambitious goals set out in our This is Forward action plan, which targets six key social and environmental areas where we know we have a significant impact, both locally and globally.”

Minister for Investment, Gerry Grimstone said: “The UK is a leading global investment destination and there’s never been a better time to invest.

“With an incredible 60 years in the UK, this investment from Coca Cola Europacific Partners into their Sidcup site highlights the attractiveness of the UK to investors and is also a great example of more sustainable production practices as we build back greener.

“Our Global Investment Summit later this year will be an opportunity to seize more opportunities like this that will propel our economy towards a more prosperous, exciting future.”

Health and safety manager Paul Howe grew up less than a mile from the factory in Sidcup and is now approaching his 25 year anniversary with Coca-Cola having joined in 1997.

Since joining as a temporary warehouse hire, Paul has gone on to gain experience as a warehouse operative, new initiatives manager, an environment manager and most recently, the Health and Safety manager, and he still lives in the area with his wife and five kids.

News Shopper: Coca-Cola and Sidcup's Paul HoweCoca-Cola and Sidcup's Paul Howe

Paul has seen the site evolve over the past 25 years, having been involved in the roll-out of the first personalised bottles in 2013, the installation of the ASRS, and seeing the transition to recycled plastic across Coca-Cola’s portfolio.

“It’s been really rewarding to work with so many different people and functions in Sidcup, building relationships with people across all areas on site, to liaising with different departments across the business.

“And it means a lot to be able to have had these opportunities right here in Sidcup where I’ve grown up and where my family is based. It’s amazing to see how the business has changed in the last 60 years and to be part of this journey, and it’s exciting to see where it goes in the future.”