THE factory which produces the soft drinks Ribena and Lucozade is to get a £6 million investment to its power supply.

Owners Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I say the major electrical upgrade will significantly reduce the Coleford’s plant’s reliance on natural gas and secure its future as a key manufacturing site and major employer.

The improvements, which are due to be up and running by 2026, will see the current 11 Kilovolt (kv) connection that feeds the factory upgraded with a 33kv connection, increasing the factory’s access to electricity purchased from renewable sources.

It is estimated it will reduce the company “Scope 1” emissions – those it directly controls – by 58 per cent.

The project will also allow greater capacity to focus on future factory improvements and even more emissions reduction projects including exploring the electrification of its steam systems, greater energy efficiency improvements, new heat pump solutions and solar panels.

Karl Ottomar, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I’s supply chain director, said: “We are proud of the long history our factory has had in the Forest of Dean, built in 1946 to make our iconic purple blackcurrant Ribena.

“This £6m investment allows us to make significant upgrades, helping us to reduce our carbon footprint but also demonstrating our long-term commitment to the local area.

“This type of investment that is good for us, our employees and the planet more broadly is what we mean when we say we’re Growing for Good.”

Local authorities will conduct a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to support aims to minimise any impact to the local environment or community.

Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop, who visited the factory last month, said.: “I’m thrilled to see the £6 million investment in electrifying the Coleford factory, a crucial step in reducing its reliance on natural gas and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

“This investment not only secures the future of the factory in Coleford but also highlights its continued role as a major local employer in the Forest. It’s fantastic news for both our local economy and the environment.”

During his tour of the site, where 290 people are employed, Mr Bishop said: “Suntory Beverage and Food GB & I’d site plays a vital role in the local economy.”

He met with employees from various departments, including production, operations, sustainability, and management and discussed the factory’s significant role in the local economy and the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability with the factory’s chief operating officer, Elise Seibold.

“SBF GB&I is a vital employer in Coleford, and their commitment to reducing environmental impact and engaging with the community is commendable,” he said.

“Coleford’s status as the home of two of the UK’s most beloved drink brands is something we should celebrate.

“I look forward to working with them to ensure the Forest of Dean remains a great place to live and work.”

A planning application for the electrical upgrade has been submitted to the Forest of Dean District Council.