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3 minute read

Edible Oils completes first phase of £23.6m investment

Edible Oils Limited (EOL) has installed a new state-of-the-art production line for cooking oils at its Erith site in Greater London, completing the first phase in a planned investment programme worth almost £24m to support the business’s ambitious growth plans.

Capable of producing 35,000 litres per hour, the new line is set to increase overall production capacity at the site by around 50%. The line will enable EOL to produce 5 litre bottles for the first time, in addition to 2 and 3 litre bottles, boosting production capabilities and efficiencies. Lightweight bottles will also help to remove over 100 tonnes of plastic from the supply chain and reduce the site’s carbon footprint. The new line will be fully operational this month.

Edible Oils has completed the first phase of a £23.6m investment at its production site in Erith / Picture: Edible Oils

Edible Oils is a 50/50 joint venture between Princes Limited and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). The company says it is the UK’s largest producer of packaged oils for the retail sector, supplying over 50% of the UK’s customer own brand and branded seed oil volume. The Erith site forms the hub of EOL’s cooking oil production and bottles the Crisp ‘n’ Dry, Flora and Mazola Corn Oil brands.

The Erith site is one of the largest employers in the area, and its operations support a number of regional jobs in businesses and industries that provide raw materials and services.

Kim Matthews, commercial director at EOL, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this first phase in our major investment programme, with commissioning of the new production line now underway. The new line will boost production capacity and capabilities, and enhance efficiencies, enabling us to reduce the environmental impact of the Erith site, as well as deliver on our ambitious growth plans and continue to provide high quality employment opportunities in the area for years to come.

“Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, our dedicated team have successfully adapted to new practices, working tirelessly to meet increased demand while progressing construction works at Erith, ensuring that this important project remains on track for completion later this year.”

The new line will enable EOL to produce 5 litre bottles for the first time and increase overall production capacity by around 50% / Picture: Edible Oils

As part of the works, EOL has also recently expanded its dry goods warehouse and installed an upgraded tank farm with oil transfer capabilities. Further planned investment includes the construction of a fully enclosed finished goods warehouse and a new staff car park with EV charging capabilities. The multi-year project is set to be fully complete by the end of November 2021.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the dedication of key workers at Erith and other EOL sites has played a crucial role in meeting spikes in customer and consumer demand. Social distancing measures have been implemented and the health and safety of EOL colleagues remains a key priority.


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