Lucozade Ribena Suntory Invests £25 Million in UK Factory Upgrade
In July 2026, Lucozade Ribena Suntory received the green light for a £25 million expansion of its manufacturing facilities at the Forest of Dean factory. This development includes a ten-bay warehouse extension at the Royal Forest Factory in Coleford, intended to house the company's new Apollo 5 production line, expected to be operational by 2027.
The facility, which is the UK's sole manufacturing plant for Lucozade and Ribena, will see its production capacity increase significantly with the introduction of a high-speed line capable of producing 55,000 bottles per hour. This investment marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Coleford factory's establishment.
The approved plans feature a single-pitched roof and a steel portal frame extension covering 3,078 square meters. The design will include light grey vertical metal cladding on both the elevations and the roof, with additional works involving tree removal and integration with existing infrastructure.
Employing around 350 individuals, the Royal Forest Factory operates across eight bottling lines and produces approximately 1 billion bottles annually. This site accounts for half of the company's total UK workforce, underscoring its importance as one of the region's largest single employers.
Consultants highlighted that the recent capital expenditure on infrastructure is likely to exceed £10 million, emphasizing Suntory's commitment to continuous investment in the site. The new warehouse will replace two older production lines in need of improvement, enhancing the factory's efficiency and paving the way for future sustainability projects.
Local support for the expansion was strong, with Coleford district councillor Clive Elsmore and the Coleford Town Council backing the plans. The district council voted unanimously to follow the planning officers' recommendation to approve the project, reflecting community approval and anticipation for the benefits this development will bring.
