Magnum Ice Cream Company has announced a £50m upgrade of its Gloucester factory, introducing modernised infrastructure, high-speed production lines and sustainability gains as part of a global supply chain transformation.
A selection of Magnum, Cornetto and Calippo products produced at the Gloucester site, which is receiving a £50m upgrade to boost capacity and modernise operations. Credit: The Magnum Ice Cream Company
The Magnum Ice Cream Company has announced a £50 million upgrade to its Gloucester manufacturing site, the UK’s largest ice cream factory. The investment forms part of the business’ €350–380 million global supply chain transformation programme.
Major expansion of production capacity
The Gloucester upgrade will increase output, modernise key infrastructure and improve efficiency across the site, which produces household names including Viennetta, Twister, Solero and Magnum.
Plans include a full rebuild of the factory’s mix plant, the addition of advanced blending systems and the installation of new high-speed lines for Twister and Solero. Collectively, the improvements are expected to lift output by 50 percent by 2027, compared with 2023 levels.
A cornerstone of UK ice cream manufacturing
Founded in 1959, the Gloucester facility is the second-largest ice cream factory in Europe and produces more than 600 million products each year, serving both the UK and export markets. Weekly production includes nearly 3 million Calippos, 2 million Viennettas and 1 million Ben & Jerry’s tubs.
The site employs close to 500 people and supports hundreds more through local supply chains. The company says the investment will also fund new training and upskilling programmes for engineering and operations staff.
Leadership reactions
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. It underlines our long-term commitment to the UK and will help ensure the site remains a centre of excellence for innovation, quality and sustainability.”
Jamie Farrell, Head of Country UK&I, added:
“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. Enhancements such as high-speed Twister and Solero lines, alongside sustainability upgrades delivering a 5 percent energy efficiency gain and a 20 percent reduction in food waste, demonstrate our commitment to responsible growth.”
Minister of State for UK Investment Jason Stockwood welcomed the announcement:
“This expansion will secure the future of a major UK manufacturing site for decades to come, showcasing the company’s commitment to Britain and reinforcing our position as a leading investment destination.”
Driving sustainable, digital-first production
The company says the upgrade supports its broader strategy to optimise productivity and embed digital manufacturing technologies. The investment is expected to improve capacity utilisation, strengthen service performance and reduce costs, while positioning the site at the forefront of its sustainability roadmap.
According to the business, the modernisation will help it respond more rapidly to changing consumer tastes and continue delivering the products that shape “everyday moments and lasting memories”.
