Plans to expand the Lucozade Ribena Suntory factory in the Forest of Dean are moving forward, promising enhanced efficiency and increased production capacity.
Located on Rock Lane in Coleford, the Royal Forest Factory has been a Gloucestershire landmark since 1946. Originally built by H W Carter to meet growing demand for Ribena—which was first developed in 1938—the site has evolved over more than seven decades. Following acquisitions in 1957, Ribena joined forces with Lucozade, and the factory now spans 53 acres, employing over 300 local workers.
Currently producing around one billion bottles annually, the company is investing £25 million in a major upgrade. This includes installing a cutting-edge high-speed production line capable of producing 55,000 bottles per hour, expected to go live in 2027.
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Forest of Dean district councillors are set to review plans on July 14 for a ten-bay warehouse extension essential for housing this new production line. The proposed building will feature a steel portal frame with light grey metal cladding, measuring 3,078 square meters with an eaves height of 8 meters and a ridge height of 9.5 meters.
Consultants representing Suntory emphasize the company’s role as one of the largest employers in the area and note ongoing investments exceeding £10 million aimed at infrastructure improvements. The new warehouse will replace two outdated production lines, significantly improving operational efficiency and enabling future sustainability initiatives.
The expansion has earned strong support from Coleford Town Council, which views the development as highly beneficial to the community. Gloucestershire Highways has raised no objections, provided traffic levels remain stable with no changes to access or road safety.
A district council planning officer described Suntory as a key local employer and confirmed that the plans align with goals to boost economic prosperity in the Forest of Dean without negatively affecting the area’s character or appearance.
With a recommendation for approval, councillors will decide on the scheme during their meeting in Coleford, marking a pivotal step toward securing the factory’s future as a vital part of Gloucestershire’s economy.