Ice cream Future of factory is secured with a £50m upgrade

THE future of Gloucester as the home of Wall’s ice cream has been secured as the Magnum Ice Cream Company announced the details of a £50m upgrade to its factory in the city.

- Carmelo GARCIA

This investment by the world’s largest ice cream company is the latest in a series of site upgrades around the world as part of the company’s more than £300-million supply chain transformation programme.

This upgrade will significantly increase production capacity, modernise infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency at the Gloucester site - home to the UK production of favourites such as Viennetta, Twister, Solero and Magnum.

Earlier this year, Gloucester City Council planners gave the go-ahead for new buildings and a replacement mix plant facility at their site off Corinium Avenue in Barnwood.

The upgrade includes a complete rebuild of the factory’s mix plant, installation of advanced blending systems and the commission of new high-speed production lines for classic products such as Twister and Solero.

The improvements will help increase output by 50 per cent by 2027.

The major investment has been enthusiastically welcomed by investment minister Jason Stockwood and city MP Alex McIntyre who visited the plant on Friday.

“Today's announcement will not only modernise and significantly increase production at a key manufacturing facility here in Gloucester - but secure the future of the site for decades to come - showcasing Magnum’s commitment to the UK and securing it as a top investment destination,’ Lord Stockwood said.

“Our modern industrial strategy is supporting the manufacturing sector by providing businesses the stability they need to invest not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond”

He said it was fascinating to see such a major investment in the region.