Diageo opens new $110m canning facility in Illinois

UK-based drinks giant Diageo has opened a new US manufacturing facility in Plainfield, Illinois. The company has invested $110m in the plant and created 50 new jobs.

Diageo North America, a subsidiary of UK-based premium drinks company Diageo, has opened a new US canning facility in Plainfield, Illinois. The $110m facility spans 20,903m2 and employs 50 full-time staff.

The new site has the capacity to produce more than 25 million cases of malt-based beverages and spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. The opening will help develop Diageo’s RTD portfolio and accelerate growth in the convenience sector.

In a press release, Michael L Nelson Jr, senior vice-president of manufacturing and distillation at Diageo North America, commented: “Diageo Lincolnway will be instrumental in accelerating our offerings in the convenience space and help meet consumer demand. The new facility strengthens our manufacturing footprint in the region and allows us to leverage synergies with our warehouse and bottling operation in Plainfield.”

The new investment builds on Diageo’s existing presence in Plainfield. The company’s bottling site and warehouse in the city employ more than 600 people.