The Magnum Ice Cream Company has announced a £50 million upgrade to its Gloucester ice cream factory, claiming that the upgrade would “significantly increase production capacity, modernise infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency” at the site.
The Gloucester site produces UK ice cream products including Viennetta, Twister, Solero and Magnum.
The upgrade will include a rebuild of the factory’s mix plant, installation of advanced blending systems and the commission of new high-speed production lines for products such as Twister and Solero, which Magnum said will contribute to a targeted 50% increase in output by 2027 (versus 2023 baseline).
The Gloucester site directly employs nearly 500 people and supports hundreds more through local contractor and suppliers’ programmes. The investment will also aim to support upskilling programmes for engineering and operations teams, reinforcing the company’s commitment to local employment and skills development.
Peter ter Kulve, CEO, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, commented: “This £50 million investment in our Gloucester facility is a key milestone in our global supply chain transformation programme and a bold step forward for our business. 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, head of country UK&I at The Magnum Ice Cream Company, stated: “As we prepare to launch the Magnum Ice Cream Company as a standalone business, this investment reflects our ambition to grow, innovate and continue delighting consumers in the UK and beyond through our much-loved brands.
“Gloucester will play a central role in that journey and we are proud to be investing in its future. 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.”
Jason Stockwood, Minister of State for UK Investment, said: “Today’s announcement will not only modernise and significantly increase production at a key manufacturing facility here in Gloucester – but secure the future of the site for decades to come – showcasing Magnum’s commitment to the UK and securing it as a top investment destination. Our modern Industrial Strategy is supporting the manufacturing sector by providing businesses the stability they need to invest not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.”
