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The Magnum Ice Cream Company has announced a £50 million investment to modernise and expand its manufacturing site in Gloucester, the UK’s largest ice cream factory.

The upgrade is part of the company’s wider €350–380 million global supply chain transformation programme, which aims to boost productivity, efficiency and long-term capacity across its international network.

It will see a full rebuild of the site’s mix plant, the installation of advanced blending technology and the addition of new high-speed production lines dedicated to popular brands such as Twister and Solero. By 2027, the company aims to increase total output at Gloucester by 50% compared to 2023 levels.

Home to UK production of Viennetta, Magnum, Twister, Solero and more, the factory already produces more than 600 million ice creams annually. Weekly output includes nearly 3 million Calippos, 2 million Viennettas and 1 million Ben & Jerry’s tubs.

Founded in 1959, Gloucester is the second largest ice cream facility in Europe and remains a cornerstone of the UK’s frozen desserts market. The site currently employs more than 500 people, and supports hundreds more through regional suppliers and contractor partnerships. The company will also be upskilling its engineering and operations workforce.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company's CEO, Peter ter Kulve, said: "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, the company's head of country UK and Ireland, highlighted the importance of the site ahead of Magnum Ice Cream Company’s transition to a stand-alone business. He said: "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."

The investment aligns with the company’s wider productivity optimisation strategy, which emphasises a digital-first approach. Improvements in capacity, utilisation, service performance and manufacturing cost efficiency sit at the heart of the programme.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company, currently part of Unilever, is currently on track to complete its demerger on 6 December 2025.