PepsiCo gives added fizz to Walkers crisp factory

Increased demand for Wotsits and Monster Munch snacks has prompted a £58 million investment by PepsiCo at its Walkers crisp factory in Leicester.

The investment, PepsiCo’s biggest in Britain for 25 years, will involve the installation of a new production line, the introduction of new compact packaging equipment to cut the use of plastic and a switch from gas-fired ovens to greener electric ones.

It also will bring in ingredient-mixing technology to develop healthier snack ranges and will upgrade the on-site restaurant and training facilities for its 1,120 employees in Leicester. The site houses one of the biggest crisp factories in the world and is home to Walkers, the crisps and snacks group that celebrates its 75th birthday this year.

PepsiCo has pumped more than