Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Invests £42.3m in Cutting-Edge Warehouse Expansion
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability with a significant £42.3m investment in a state-of-the-art automated storage retrieval system (ASRS) warehouse at its Wakefield facility.
Scheduled for completion in approximately two and a half years, the ASRS will stand 38 metres tall, offering a cutting-edge solution to optimise space and increase warehouse capacity.
The new ASRS will expand the site’s storage capacity by 1.7%, enabling it to hold and move an additional 29,500 pallets, doubling its current capacity of 29,000 pallets. This development will also contribute to sustainability goals by reducing annual vehicle journeys by 18,500 – equivalent to 441,000km – streamlining operations and cutting emissions.
This latest funding comes on the heels of a £31m investment earlier this year for a high-speed canning line at the Wakefield site.
Operational since July 2024, the new canning line can produce an impressive 2,000 cans per minute, supporting CCEP’s portfolio of lightweight 330ml cans across major brands, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Dr Pepper, and Sprite.
Investing in People and Sustainability
CCEP is also reimagining its recruitment strategies, focusing on skills and potential rather than traditional qualifications. This progressive approach has led to a more diverse workforce on the canning line, with three out of four team leaders being female and a 40:60 gender split in favour of women.
Furthermore, Wakefield’s transformation extends beyond production. Since 2019, the site has received £103m in investments, including sustainable upgrades such as replacing its material handling equipment (MHE).
This includes a fleet of 75 gas-powered forklift trucks now powered by lithium-ion batteries, resulting in zero carbon emissions during daily operations.
A Hub of Innovation and Economic Support
Commenting on the ASRS project, the director of Wakefield supply chain operations at CCEP stated that the investment reflects the company’s long-term vision to expand production capabilities while operating efficiently and sustainably.
Echoing these sentiments, CCEP’s VP and general manager noted that Wakefield is pivotal to their manufacturing advancements, offering modern jobs and driving economic growth in the region.
A Bold Vision for the Future
With this latest £42.3m commitment, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners underscores its dedication to sustainability, efficiency, and workforce diversity. As the Wakefield facility continues to evolve with over £100m invested since 2019, it stands as a beacon of modern manufacturing and environmental stewardship.
This investment not only enhances CCEP’s operational capabilities but also demonstrates its role as a key player in supporting the local economy and driving positive change for the future.
News Credits: CCEP investing £42.3m into Wakefield site
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