Dutch brewer Heineken will pour £50million into their Manchester plant as they look to add more fizz to their UK performance.
The UK market leader is looking to boost production at their Denmark Road site as well as top up with a new kegging line to provide draught beer to pubs by next summer.
The move was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron as he heralded protecting 240 new UK jobs when he opened the International Festival for Business in Liverpool today.
“Heineken is the UK’s leading beer and cider business, a position that we are proud of and determined to build upon,” said David Forde, Heineken UK Managing Director.
“These major investments are a clear demonstration of our long-term commitment to the UK.”
The Amsterdam-based beer company is making a £126m investment nationwide with £58m going to their Hereford cider plant and another £18m on their Stars Pubs & Bars estate.
The Heineken Group includes the Red Star brand itself as well as Desperados, Amstel, Sol and Strongbow Gold.
There was more Manchester good news for the company last week when their Kronenbourg 1664 television adverts, featuring United football hero Eric Cantona, saw their ban overturned.
The ads were given the boot in February by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for ‘misleading’ viewers into believing the ale was fully-produced in France instead of just the hop.
It is believed they will now recommence advertising the French brand to coincide with its 350th anniversary this year.
The company has seen growth in premium beers and improving global volumes, which gave revenues a 3.4% kick in the first quarter of 2014.
However, wet weather and a late Easter saw UK volumes take a slight spill.
Image via felixtriller, with thanks
