Nestle has revealed it will invest £28 million in its Cumbrian plant.
The firm is investing in its Dalston factory, near Carlisle, which makes Nescafé Frothy Coffee.
This major upgrade includes the construction of a state-of-the-art mixing plant and the installation of two advanced high-tech packing lines, capable of producing up to 60,000 frothy coffee sachets an hour.
The new mixing plant, representing a £17.5 million investment, features the latest equipment and design standards to help make high-quality products more efficiently, the firm said.
It added the four-storey facility will reduce heavy lifting by 80% thanks to a new system that handles ingredients in larger bags, cutting down on manual work and improving accuracy.
Nestlé is also investing £10.7 million in two new packing lines that will replace older lines.
One of the new lines can produce an impressive 60,000 sachets per hour using cutting-edge technology that ensures smoother and more efficient movement of items. These new lines will be able to use new packaging materials, allowing for it to be fully recyclable.
Richard Watson, CEO of Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “We are very proud of our British manufacturing and this investment reflects the great work being done by our teams to position the UK as a market with significant manufacturing expertise and capability.
“The Dalston investment is a prime example of how we’re investing in the future of the British food and drink industry – modernising our operations and supporting local jobs, driving growth opportunities and being more sustainable.”
Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, said: “I have recently visited the factory and am pleased to see this investment in high tech manufacturing in Dalston.”
Ian Pipes, Nestlé Dalston factory manager, said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment which marks a significant step forward for our Dalston site.
“By upgrading our facilities with the latest technology, we’re not only improving product quality, but also creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for our teams.”
Nestlé opened its plant in Dalston in 1962.
Recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Frothy Coffee for Nestlé globally, the factory manufactures popular products, such as Nescafé Cappuccino and Latte, Coffee Mate as well as Starbucks range of latte products.
The factory was originally built in Cumbria due to its proximity to dairy farms which provide the sustainable fresh milk needed to produce 25 million Nescafé Cappuccino and Frothy Coffee sachets every week.
Nestlé has worked with First Milk since 2010 to promote responsible farming, enhance animal welfare, and protect Cumbria’s natural landscape.
