A major £25 million investment is set to transform production at the Coleford factory behind Lucozade and Ribena, as Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I unveils plans for a new high speed manufacturing line.
Announced on Wednesday 25 February 2026, the project forms part of a wider £57 million supply chain investment programme, marking the 80th year since the Forest of Dean site was first built.
The new line, known as ‘Apollo 5’, will bring Lucozade and Ribena together onto a single aseptic production line, replacing two older Ribena lines and reducing operational complexity. Using heat and pressurised air to clean bottles, the technology requires less energy and water during filling and is capable of producing up to 55,000 bottles per hour, with rapid changeovers between brands.
Expected to be operational in early 2027, the year Lucozade celebrates its centenary, the upgrade is designed to future proof the site for decades to come.
Karl Ottomar, supply chain director at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, said: ‘We’re not just replacing factory lines, we’re embracing new technology to future proof our operations and make them more efficient. None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our Coleford team and the expertise from our Suntory colleagues in Japan who continue to drive improvements across the site. This new line is a big step forward, giving us the capability to keep growing and innovating for years to come.’
During construction, £2.1 million is expected to be spent with organisations across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and south Wales. The company says the investment will also help sustain hundreds of skilled roles at one of the area’s largest employers.
Matt Bishop, MP for the Forest of Dean, said: ‘This investment is welcome news for the Forest of Dean. It underlines Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I’s long term commitment to the area and the skilled people who work there, producing two of Britain’s most known brands.’
