The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) recently partnered with Diageo for a guided tour of the beverage manufacturer’s massive Huntingwood facility in Sydney.
The tour allowed 40 AIP guests to see the company’s operations across the full supply chain, including production lines for cans, ready-to-drink (RTD) glass, and full-strength bottled spirits (FSBS), as well as its automated storage and warehousing facilities.
According to Graham Leslie (pictured above, right), packaging technologist at Diageo, the highlights were the company’s new RTD filling and capping system, and its case packing facility for cans. “Everything was running, so we got to show everything in motion. Hopefully people got a few ideas on how we do things, to take back to their own facilities.
“I’ve had a good time showing off the place – I’ve enjoyed seeing other people’s factories, and it was good to pay back some of the hospitality I’ve been shown in the past,” said Leslie.
Brendan Zammit, committee member at the AIP, said members gave plenty of positive feedback on the event. “I think everyone enjoys coming out to these events and seeing how a lot of the bigger brands are manufactured,” he said.
“They’re very important for us, as they connect members and people with interest in the industry with real-world companies. People love seeing how it all works and how everything comes together.”
Diageo employs approximately 150 people at its Huntingwood site, spread across manufacturing, warehouse, and support services. The plant produces 10 million cases per year, mainly for Coles, Woolworths, and Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM).
