UK | Lidl GB has announced the launch of a bottling plant in Derby, which has recently started supplying to Lidl stores across Great Britain. The facility will bottle water and produce a variety of soft drinks, with a production capacity of 380 million bottles per year.
The MEG Derby Ltd plant is part of Schwarz Produktion, the umbrella brand of the Schwarz Group’s production companies. MEG is one of Germany's leading mineral water and soft drink manufacturers, and this marks their first venture in Great Britain.
Localising production will simplify transport logistics and significantly reduce the distance the products travel to stores, thereby improving Lidl's carbon footprint and reducing costs. The plant will also provide a boost to the local economy with the creation of about 90 new jobs.
Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer, Lidl GB, said this new venture with MEG Derby Ltd. marked a significant milestone in our commitment to improving efficiency, reducing its impact on the environment and providing customers with great quality products at the lowest possible prices.
“Bringing production of this key product closer to home makes sense and aligns with Lidl GB's vision of contributing positively to the local community and economy,” said Bourns.
Jörg Aldenkott, CEO at Schwarz Produktion, said the inauguration of MEG Derby Ltd. represented a pivotal moment for Schwarz Produktion.
“As our first venture in Great Britain, it underscores our commitment to sustainable growth and will allow us to serve Lidl stores across Great Britain,” said Aldenkott.
“As one of the leading soft drink and mineral water manufacturers in Germany, we know investments like these payoff, and I can’t think of a better place to do it than in Great Britain.”
