Westons Cider has unveiled a new £3million canning line at its plant in Ledbury to bring more of its production in house.

The new machinery will be used to package 12,500 cans per hour after demand rose during lockdown.

Helen Thomas, managing director and great-granddaughter of founder Henry Weston, said: “During lockdown – as pubs, bars and restaurants sadly closed their doors – sales of our ciders soared in supermarkets.

“This unexpected surge in demand made clear just how important it is for us to control our own destiny, particularly when it comes to getting our world-renowned ciders from our Herefordshire mill into people’s hands.

“For us, that meant bringing more of our supply chain in house and investing in our own canning line.

“While it’s a significant investment, this new line will enable us to package each and every can of cider right at the heart of the Westons Cider mill and will mean we’ll be less reliant on third parties – ultimately helping to future-proof the business.”

Westons Cider employs 230 people at its mill in Much Marcle, near Ledbury, Herefordshire and has a turnover of £65 million.

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