Diageo North America Opens New Canning Facility in Illinois

Diageo has opened a new 225,000-sq-ft, approximately $110 million facility in Plainfield, Ill. Known as Diageo Lincolnway, the manufacturing site, with two high-speed can lines, has the capacity to produce over 25 million cases annually of malt-based beverages and spirits-based, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, such as some of Diageo’s latest portfolio brands and innovations, including Smirnoff seltzers and spirits-based RTD cocktails from Crown Royal and Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz.

The operation, which employs 50 full-time team members, is expected to supplement Diageo’s existing ready-to-drink production across North America and help accelerate the development of the company’s RTD portfolio and growth strategy in the convenience category.

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“We’re incredibly proud of the speed and innovative approach from our team and partners in their efforts to build this site in record time. Diageo Lincolnway will be instrumental in accelerating our offerings in the convenience space and help meet consumer demand,” says Michael L. Nelson Jr., manufacturing & distillation, senior vice president, Diageo North America. “The new facility strengthens our manufacturing footprint in the region and allows us to leverage synergies with our warehouse and bottling operation in Plainfield.”

“The new canning facility will enhance Diageo’s existing operations, strengthening our offering and accelerating our strategy in the ready-to-drink category,” adds Keara Funck, convenience, vice president, Diageo North America. “As we continue to build on this opportunity in the convenience space to deliver premium delicious bar-quality cocktails and malt-based beverages, we are excited about the innovations and possibilities this could bring to our consumers.”

The RTD category continues to gain momentum in the United States, driven by consumer interest in enjoying cocktails at home and demand for a range of drinks in convenient formats that are ideal for casual and at-home occasions