See new food packaging & processing solutions at PACK EXPO in Chicago
Discover new food packaging and processing innovations from 2,500+ suppliers, all under one roof at PACK EXPO International in Chicago.

Diageo North America Opens New Canning Facility in Illinois

The approximately $110 million site will accelerate the company’s growth in the ready-to-drink category and strengthen its manufacturing footprint in Illinois.

Diageo Crown Royal Pic

Diageo has opened a new 225,000-sq-ft, approximately $110 million facility in Plainfield, Ill. Known as Diageo Lincolnway, the manufacturing site, with two high-speed can lines, has the capacity to produce over 25 million cases annually of malt-based beverages and spirits-based, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, such as some of Diageo’s latest portfolio brands and innovations, including Smirnoff seltzers and spirits-based RTD cocktails from Crown Royal and Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz.

The operation, which employs 50 full-time team members, is expected to supplement Diageo’s existing ready-to-drink production across North America and help accelerate the development of the company’s RTD portfolio and growth strategy in the convenience category.


Read article   Diageo Opens Its First North American Carbon Neutral Whiskey Distillery


“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,” says Michael L. Nelson Jr., manufacturing & distillation, senior vice president, Diageo North America. “The new facility strengthens our manufacturing footprint in the region and allows us to leverage synergies with our warehouse and bottling operation in Plainfield.”

“The new canning facility will enhance Diageo’s existing operations, strengthening our offering and accelerating our strategy in the ready-to-drink category,” adds Keara Funck, convenience, vice president, Diageo North America. “As we continue to build on this opportunity in the convenience space to deliver premium delicious bar-quality cocktails and malt-based beverages, we are excited about the innovations and possibilities this could bring to our consumers.”

The RTD category continues to gain momentum in the United States, driven by consumer interest in enjoying cocktails at home and demand for a range of drinks in convenient formats that are ideal for casual and at-home occasions

Special Report: Essential tools for effective sanitation
Today’s food processors are faced with an ongoing labor shortage and pressure to increase production to meet market demands. That means less downtime for cleaning while adhering to strict food safety guidelines. How can a manufacturer overcome these hurdles to stay profitable?
Read More
Special Report: Essential tools for effective sanitation
Back to Basics: Understanding Conveyors for Food Processing
Discover how modern conveyors enhance food processing—boost efficiency, ensure safety, and save space. Explore the latest tech and tips to optimize your operations.
Read More
Back to Basics: Understanding Conveyors for Food Processing