AB InBev has opened a new automated ‘robo-warehouse’ with space to store 23 million pints of beer at its largest UK brewery in Magor, Wales.
The world’s largest brewer plans a global roll-out of the warehouse technology, making Wales the starting point for the technology expected to cut its carbon impact.
AB InBev said the facility will enable it to meet growing UK demand for beer brands such as Stella Artois, Budweiser, Bud Light and alcohol-free Budweiser Prohibition.
Robotic cranes operating across six stories and nine miles of racking will be able to retrieve any one of the stored pallets in under 60 seconds.
The warehouse’s technology will reduce the brewery’s carbon footprint by 605 tonnes of CO2 by lowering transportation between warehouses.
The investment reinforces the brewer’s commitment to its 2025 Sustainability Goals, which includes the target of a 25% reduction to carbon emissions across its value chain against a 2017 baseline.
Lloyd Manship, brewery manager for AB InBev, said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to Wales. It means we can get our beer out and into stores and pubs faster and more efficiently than ever before, that’s ultimately good for us, our customers and the environment.
“I’m proud that this technology is a global first for AB InBev and look forward to seeing its implementation all over the world.”
Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East, added: “I am delighted to see one of the region’s biggest local employers continue to grow and expand, and to meet the engineers that will be operating the facility.”
As part of AB InBev’s sustainability ambitions, it recently introduced a new accelerator programme in a bid to support emerging start-ups with an ambition to tackle some of the world’s greatest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and circular packaging. This will see the firm invest up to £75,000 in each start-up selected.
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