A GUINNESS packaging unit in Runcorn has been boosted by a £16million investment.

Diageo ha announces £40.5m investment in its beer packaging facilities  in Belfast and Runcorn to support growth in demand for Guinness

Work will start immediately with the new capacity expected to be available in 2023.

£16million will be invested at the Runcorn site in Preston Brook to significantly upgrade its bottling line and expand warehousing capacity.

Stewart Hancock, operations ,anager at Diageo’s Runcorn site, added: “This is an exciting time for our site in Runcorn as we invest in our business to support the growth of our business.

"We contribute considerably to the local economy in Runcorn and the £16m investment will further support our supply chains and local communities.”

Diageo is making the investment to meet global demand for Guinness products from domestic and export markets.

Aidan Crowe, operations director for Beer at Diageo, stated: “This expansion is a significant investment in the development of our packaging facilities. The projects in Belfast and Runcorn will support our growth ambitions, helping us to deliver end-to-end product innovation, and reinforce our agility to meet demand and provide excellent service to our customers around the world.”

Commenting on the news, Mike Amesbury, Member of Parliament for Weaver Vale and local MP for the Runcorn site, said: “Diageo's bottling and packaging plant in Runcorn is a significant part of the local economy and it is great news to see British businesses like Diageo investing in and expanding their facilities in the local area.”