Diageo North America has completed more than $120m investment in its bottling facility in Plainfield, Illinois, US, which is part of the company’s investment of more than $250m in its manufacturing network since 2010.
The facility, which packs some of the company's brands, including Smirnoff No 21, Smirnoff flavored vodkas, Smirnoff Ice, also houses its brand technical center that enables to turn new liquid and packaging ideas into commercial products.
According to the company, the facility bottles about 31 million cases of product annually at present, which is equivalent to 372 million 750ml bottles.
Despite an increase in production volumes, greenhouse gas emissions at the site have been reduced by almost 65% since 2007. The plant is also said to be 14% more water efficient.
Diageo North America supply president Paul Gallagher said the transformation delivered at the Plainfield facility illustrates how the company is creating flexible, cost effective and environmentally sustainable operations.
"The site is a testament to our dedicated workforce here in Illinois, and their commitment and expertise has been instrumental in the business's success," Gallagher added.
The Plainfield plant has installed three new bottling lines, a flexible production area and several packaging machines since 2011. The site underwent various improvements to other key areas to increase production capabilities, the company said.
