Major roastery investment to support growth and sustainability

May 19th, 2023 | Business News

Multi-million pound investment at our production headquarters in Glasgow

We are building for the future with a multi-million pound investment at our production headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland.

Established over 150 years ago, we have seen considerable growth in recent years and this investment programme, will allow us to roast over 2500 tonnes of coffee each year for our customers.

The investment project will include the introduction of a new green bean handling and blending system, upgraded automation, new conveying systems, and state of the art packaging lines.

In addition to the operational improvements, the investment will support our new sustainability strategy which will see us becoming net zero by 2035 with our entire business operations, including supply chain, hitting the target by 2040.

A new green storage area will enable hessian sacks to be replaced with larger 1 tonne transportation bags that will deliver a 90% manual handling reduction, as well as increased coffee container capacity. Shipping coffee in bulk containers from coffee producing countries to UK ports will increase capacity by 11%, and onward delivery to our site in Glasgow will see a 25% capacity increase which will reduce costs and carbon emissions.

Paul Chadderton, our managing director, said:

“Matthew Algie has been an employer in Glasgow for over 150 years and our history of producing and distributing the best quality beverages is world renowned.

“This recent round of investment builds additional capacity and will future proof the business to offer even more products to its customers.”

Our roastery in Glasgow is already carbon neutral, but our Net Zero Roadmap details the investment and improvement programmes across the entire business to become net zero.

Paul continued:

“Equally important however is how these improvements will help supercharge our efforts to reach net zero, as by 2035 we will be net zero across our own operations, with our value chain net zero by 2040.”

“This is a hugely exciting time for our business and particularly our Glasgow roastery as we look to continue on our growth trajectory whilst being the leading supplier of sustainable, high-quality beverages in the UK and Ireland.”

This investment project has been enabled by support from Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency.

Rhona Allison, Managing Director of Business Growth at Scottish Enterprise, said:

“Matthew Algie’s products are enjoyed by consumers across Scotland, the wider UK and Ireland.

“This innovative project will enhance the company’s productivity and manufacturing capability whilst also reducing its carbon emissions, delivering 38 new jobs and safeguarding many existing roles in the process.  Scottish Enterprise is delighted to support Matthew Algie’s growth, investment and ambition to significantly increase their productivity.”

The investment work will be carried out around ongoing production and we are looking forward to the work being completed this Autumn.