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PepsiCo has announced a significant £13 million investment into its Coventry factory, famously known as the ‘home of Doritos’. This site, which is Europe’s largest tortilla chip factory, has been producing Doritos since the brand’s UK launch 30 years ago.
The investment aims to upgrade the manufacturing capabilities of the Coventry facility. A key component of the initiative is the replacement of a manufacturing line with state-of-the-art equipment. This includes more efficient machinery designed to reduce the site’s greenhouse gas emissions by over 700 tonnes annually, aligning with PepsiCo’s broader sustainability goals.
In addition to the manufacturing upgrades, an extensive enhancement of staff facilities has been completed. The site now boasts renovated working spaces, new changing rooms, a modern training centre, and a fully refurbished on-site restaurant. The new training centre features replica equipment, offering team members the chance to develop skills away from the factory floor, thereby increasing upskilling opportunities.
The upgraded manufacturing line will continue producing the Doritos range in the UK, including Doritos Dippers, which became the first Doritos product to be classified as non-HFSS (high in fat, sugar, and salt) last year.
This Coventry investment is the latest in a series of commitments PepsiCo has made to its UK manufacturing sites, bringing total investments since 2020 to over £140 million. The company had previously announced a £58 million investment in its Walkers manufacturing site in Leicester, further emphasizing its dedication to the Midlands, where PepsiCo employs over 2,100 people across its Leicester, Coventry, and Lincoln sites.
According to PepsiCo, nearly a third of UK households purchase Doritos, with sales reaching £237 million after a growth of more than 20% over the past two years.
Layla Whiting, Managing Director at PepsiCo, stated:
“We’ve been perfecting the tortilla chip here in Coventry for the past three decades, and I’m proud of our role in helping to build a loyal Doritos fanbase and make the brand a household name in the UK. This investment marks our commitment to the teams who have played such a key role in Doritos’ success over the years, and to our home in Coventry as we celebrate our 30th birthday.”
This investment not only demonstrates PepsiCo’s commitment to its Coventry factory but also underscores its long-term strategy to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and foster employee development within its UK operations.
