Diageo North America opens new canning facility 

Diageo has opened a new site in Illinois which will feature two high-speed can lines and is set to boost its growing alcoholic RTD portfolio.

The site, named Diageo Lincolnway, is located in the village of Plainfield, Illinois and boasts the capacity to produce over 25 million cases of malt-based beverages and spirits-based RTD cocktails.

Diageo North America manufacturing and distillation senior vice president Michael L. Nelson Jr. said: “We’re incredibly proud of the speed and innovative approach from our team and partners in their efforts to build this site in record time. 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 225,000 square-foot facility, which saw an investment of US$110 million, is set to supplement the drinks giant’s existing RTD production across North America as well as produce some of its latest brand innovations, such as: Smirnoff seltzers, Crown Royal RTD cocktails and Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz.

Diageo North America convenience, vice president Keara Funck added: “The new canning facility will enhance Diageo’s existing operations, strengthening our offering and accelerating our strategy in the RTD category. As we continue to build on this opportunity in the convenience space to deliver premium delicious bar-quality cocktails and malt-based beverages, we are excited about the innovations and possibilities this could bring to our consumers.”

The RTD category continues to gain momentum in the US, driven by consumer interest in enjoying cocktails at home and demand for a range of drinks in convenient formats that are ideal for casual and at-home occasions.

Additionally, Diageo Lincolnway will employ 50 full-time staff and plans on becoming “an integral part of Plainfield’s economic life, providing jobs and tax revenue”. Plainfield mayor John Argoudelis reaffirmed: “We look forward to their continued and increased role in our village.”

Diageo North America supply commercialisation manager Lauren Jacobson added:  “This new production site continues to strengthen the relationship and roots that Diageo has developed over the years within the village of Plainfield. The commercialisation and commissioning activities we achieved as a team in record time serve as the foundation for the success of the site, and will be instrumental in supporting the innovation and supply strategies for the convenience portfolio.”