Lightweight Containers, a Dutch-based lightweight kegs manufacturer for the drinks industry, has opened its first manufacturing plant in UK.
Image: Officials from Lightweight Containers at the company’s new site. Photo: courtesy of Lightweight Containers.
Located at Foxcover Industrial Estate in Seaham, County Durham, the 62,000ft² plant is expected to initially create approximately 35 jobs within two years.
Production at the plant, which has been leased for 10 years, is scheduled to commence in June 2018.
Lightweight Containers said that County Durham has been selected due to support from Business Durham and close proximity to the craft brewery industry.
Lightweight Containers chief technical officer Ruud Bais said: “We’ve been searching for a suitable site for several months and were particularly impressed by the commitment and desire of Business Durham and Metnor to attract us to the area.
“They were able to show us therewas a skilled pool of labor, good transport links and that all of our needs would be catered for in order for us to open up our facility as soon as possible. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with them as our business develops.”
The firm currently operates production plants in Holland, Germany and the US. The UK plant is a part of the firm’s effort to meet growing demand for its products.
Durham County Council economic regeneration cabinet member Cllr Carl Marshall said: “It is great to see another company choosing County Durham as a place to expand and this again reinforces our growing reputation as a desirable location for business.
“This will provide another boost for the local economy both in Seaham and further afield and we look forward to production starting in June.”
Said to be a lightweight alternative for the heavy and bulky traditional steel kegs, the Lightweight Containers’ KeyKeg has been designed especially for producers seek to export their beer, wine or beverages.
The 100% recyclable KeyKeg, which is claimed to deliver enhanced efficiency savings and cost reductions, can save up to 30% in transport weight.
Lightweight Containers manufacturers KeyKeg and UniKeg kegs on three production lines in the US, the Netherlands and Germany.