CCEP continues evolution of Sidcup site with manufacturing and operational updates

October 18, 2023 Editor

The official opening of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ state-of-the art canning line at Sidcup manufacturing site marks a step-change for the business as it looks to future soft drinks production.

The site celebrated its 60^th anniversary in 2021 and the new line is capable of producing 2,000 cans per minute, forming a key part of a £28million investment in the factory, further highlighting CCEP’s commitment to investing in the latest manufacturing innovation.

The new line will support the production of sustainable packaging for CCEP’s well-known brands including Coca-Cola original taste, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta, Dr Pepper, Sprite and Schweppes

Colleagues at the Sidcup site are also committed to creating a more diverse workforce as part of CCEP’s ‘Everyone is Welcome’ ethos. This includes encouraging women and others who might not have considered a career in manufacturing previously to do so.

To support this, recruitment practices have evolved to focus on skills and aptitude rather than only historical qualifications, and more flexible working options are available to employees to suit a range of lifestyles.

CCEP’s apprenticeship programme has also expanded over recent years, targeting all ages and skill levels to open up pathways for those looking to step into the world of work, or change career direction. Since the programme’s inception, the Sidcup site has supported 21 apprentices across its career builder and early careers offering.

Karl Probert, operations director at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Sidcup, said: “Our dedicated workforce of almost 400 play such an important role in continually evolving our manufacturing operations. We’re proud to officially open our new high speed canning line today. It uses the latest manufacturing innovations to produce many of our brands that consumers know and love, from right here in Sidcup.”

Stephen Moorhouse, vice-president and general manager, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (GB), commented, “We’ve been at the heart of the Sidcup community for more than 60 years and we’re proud of the team here helping to drive the latest innovations in manufacturing.

“We’ve invested almost £120million into the factory since 2017, helping us to support the local economy and accelerate our path to net zero.”

Louie French MP comments: “The latest investment into a new canning line demonstrates CCEP’s commitment to the local community, both in terms of its investment into the site and its ongoing efforts to reduce plastic and use more sustainable packaging. It’s also fantastic to see the efforts the business is making to encourage more diversity in the sector.”