Business

MeadWestvaco has gained preferred packaging status for Diageo’s Guinness production facility in Runcorn following the successful installation of a new production line at the end of last year.

The Runcorn plant previously housed a competitor’s machine but preferred status means the facility will exclusively use MeadWestvaco’s machines from now on.

Limited floor space prompted Diageo to invest in a production line comprising MeadWestvaco’s BasketWrap 200 and EvoTech machines.

Ray Webb, Diageo’s global supply project manager, said: “We exceeded production targets from the first week of seamless commissioning and continue to do so.”

Diageo needed the new production line, for its Guinness Cluster-Pak and BasketWrap carriers, to meet the demands of round-the-clock production and frequent changeovers.

The EvoTech machine, which can reach production speeds of up to 420 packs per minute, will continuously run neck-through and over-the top Cluster-Pak carriers for Guinness brands.

Meanwhile, the BasketWrap 200 system was designed for the facility to run basket-style cartons for the Smithwick’s, Kaliber and Guinness Draught brands, in three different height and diameter bottles.