The Magnum Ice Cream Company, the world’s largest ice cream company, has announced details of a £50m upgrade to its Gloucester ice cream factory.
This investment is the latest in a series of site upgrades around the world as part of the company’s €350-380 million supply chain transformation programme.
This upgrade will significantly increase production capacity, modernise infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency at the Wall’s factory in Corinium Avenue, Barnwood – home to the UK production of iconic ice cream products including Viennetta, Twister, Solero, and Magnum.
The upgrade includes a complete rebuild of the factory’s mix plant, installation of advanced blending systems and the commissioning of new high-speed production lines for classic products such as Twister and Solero – targeting a 50% increase in output by 2027 versus 2023.
Founded in 1959, the Gloucester site is the second largest ice cream factory in Europe (behind Heppenheim, Germany). Every week, Gloucester produces nearly 3 million Calippos and 2 million Viennettas, in addition to 1 million Ben & Jerry’s tubs.
Never shy of a challenge, the site team holds the record for the world’s longest Viennetta, measuring an incredible 22.7 metres made during a community challenge in 2007.
The Gloucester site directly employs nearly 500 people and supports hundreds more through local contractor and suppliers’ programmes. The investment will also support upskilling programmes for engineering and operations teams, reinforcing the company’s commitment to local employment and skills development.
Peter ter Kulve, CEO of The Magnum Ice Cream Company, said: “This £50m investment in our Gloucester facility is a key milestone in our global supply chain transformation programme and a bold step forward for our business.
“Our investment is a clear signal of our long-term commitment to the UK and will not only boost productivity and support growth but also ensure the site remains a centre of excellence for innovation, quality, and sustainability as we enter our next chapter.”
Jamie Farrell, head of country for the Magnum Ice Cream Company UK&I, said: “As we prepare to launch the Magnum Ice Cream Company as a standalone business, this investment reflects our ambition to grow, innovate, and continue delighting consumers in the UK and beyond through our much-loved brands.
“Gloucester will play a central role in that journey, and we are proud to be investing in its future. The investment in new state-of-the-art lines for family favourites like Twister and Solero, along with sustainability upgrades including a 5% energy efficiency gain and a 20% reduction in food waste, demonstrates our renewed commitment to innovation and responsible growth.”
Alex McIntyre, MP for Gloucester, added: “It was an incredibly proud moment for me when I got to celebrate Gloucester as the birthplace of Viennetta in my maiden speech to Parliament, and I’m pleased to see a commitment to continuing innovation in our city.
“Wall’s is a Gloucester institution, so it’s great to see the Magnum Ice Cream Company investing in the future of ice cream production in our city.”
Jason Stockwood, minister of state for UK Investment, who visited the Gloucester factory on Friday, said: “Today’s announcement will not only modernise and significantly increase production at a key manufacturing facility here in Gloucester – but secure the future of the site for decades to come – showcasing Magnum’s commitment to the UK and securing it as a top investment destination.
“Our modern Industrial Strategy is supporting the manufacturing sector by providing businesses the stability they need to invest not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.”
ICE AND EASY: Wall’s secures multimillion plans for Barnwood
