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Diageo North America has opened a new manufacturing site in Plainfield, Illinois, in a move to strengthen its ready-to-drink (RTD) presence. The drink's giant has invested approximately $110 million in the new 225,000-square-foot facility, which features two new canning lines. Diageo will use the site to "accelerate the development of the company’s RTD portfolio" and build its "growth strategy in the convenience category". The facility, named Lincolnway, will produce some of Diageo’s latest brands, including Smirnoff seltzers and spirits-based RTD cocktails from Crown Royal and Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz. Michael L Nelson, senior VP of manufacturing and distillation at Diageo North America, said: "We’re incredibly proud of the speed and innovative approach from our team and partners in their efforts to build this site in record time. Diageo Lincolnway will be instrumental in accelerating our offerings in the convenience space and help meet consumer demand." He continued: "The new facility strengthens our manufacturing footprint in the region and allows us to leverage synergies with our warehouse and bottling operation in Plainfield". Diageo Lincolnway employs 50 full-time team members.