Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia (CCEP) has officially opened what it says is the largest and most efficient canning line in its global network, located at its Richlands manufacturing facility in Brisbane.
The $75 million investment will significantly boost the company’s production capabilities, with the new line capable of processing up to 120,000 cans per hour. This includes ramped-up output for energy drinks such as Monster and Mother, as well as core brands like Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta, which have been manufactured in Australia for nearly 90 years.
“This is a major milestone for our operations in Australia,” said Orlando Rodriguez, managing director, CCEP Australia. “The Richlands site is now home to our most advanced canning line globally, reinforcing our long-term commitment to local manufacturing and supporting the Queensland economy.”
During the 18-month build, over 250 local contractors were engaged onsite, and the facility has created 18 new full-time roles to support its ongoing operation. CCEP currently employs more than 700 people in Queensland and over 3000 nationally.
Designed across five mezzanine levels, the canning line features the latest in manufacturing innovation, including a reverse osmosis system that increases water treatment capacity by 67 per cent, and a filling process that operates at room temperature – a shift expected to reduce energy use by 23 per cent compared to other lines in the network.
On the packaging equipment side, the filling and packaging lines were supplied by KHS, and the case packing systems by WestRock. Othere key suppliers include Tetra Pak (syrup room), Dematic (AGV forklifts) and Wiley & Co (building contractor).
“This investment not only enhances our production efficiency but enables more sustainable manufacturing practices,” Rodriguez added. “By making our products closer to where they are consumed, we reduce transportation-related emissions and improve supply chain responsiveness.”
CCEP’s Richlands facility is now a flagship site for the company, aligning with its strategy to strengthen local manufacturing while supporting sustainability goals and the growth of Queensland’s food and beverage industry.
