Drinks giant Diageo to invest $80m in new plant in Plainfield, Illinois

Diageo plant Plainfield IL : Diageo said that it will invest nearly $80 million in a new facility in Plainfield, Illinois as part of its growth strategy in the ready-to-drink (RTD) category in North America.

The alcohol beverage company will use the investment for growing its manufacturing presence and for installing a couple of can lines at the new 225,000sft facility.

According to Diageo, the site will be capable of producing more than 25 million cases of RTDs annually. It will manufacture Smirnoff seltzers and the recently launched spirits-based RTD cocktails from Ketel One Botanicals and Crown Royal.

Debra Crew – President of Diageo North America, commenting on the Diageo plant Plainfield IL, said: “As the ready-to-drink category continues to grow rapidly in the United States, this expansion is very exciting as it will support our plans to meet increased consumer demand in line with emerging trends for convenient formats that are ideal for casual and at-home occasions.

“The new operation will supplement our existing ready-to-drink production across North America and strengthen our path to continue building our RTD offering.”

Drinks giant Diageo to invest $80m in new plant in Diageo plant Plainfield IL. Photo courtesy of Diageo.

The new Diageo plant in Plainfield will have a 500 cans per minute (CPM) line and a 1200 CPM line. Both the can lines are slated to begin commercial production by summer of 2021.

Commenting on the Diageo plant Plainfield IL, Perry Jones – President of Diageo North America Supply said: “The strategic location of the new site, near our warehouse and Plainfield bottling operation, will allow Diageo to create synergies and the flexibility to expand and carry other market-leading brands in the future.

“We are thrilled to expand our manufacturing footprint and further deepen our relationship with the Village of Plainfield.”

The Diageo plant Plainfield IL will employ nearly 50 people in full-time roles.

Diageo North America acquires Lone River Ranch Water hard seltzer brand

Earlier this month, the drinks giant acquired a majority stake in Far West Spirits, which owns the Lone River Ranch Water hard seltzer brand. Lone River Ranch Water has three offerings – The Original Ranch Water hard seltzer, Spicy: Ranch Water, and Rio Red Grapefruit.