Diageo opens new canning facility to accelerate growth in RTD category

Investment strengthens Diageo’s manufacturing footprint in Illinois

With capacity to produce over 25 million cases of malt-based beverages and spirits-based Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails, global beverage leader Diageo has opened its new manufacturing site, featuring two high-speed can lines. Located in Plainfield, Illinois, Diageo Lincolnway will help accelerate the development of the company’s RTD portfolio and growth strategy in the convenience category.

The operation at the new 225,000 square-foot facility supplements existing ready-to-drink production across North America. Diageo Lincolnway is producing 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.

With an investment of approximately $110 million, Diageo Lincolnway employs 50 full-time team members. Diageo North America has built a 56-year-old partnership with the Village of Plainfield and has played an important role contributing to its economic development.

Diageo’s presence has grown and expanded over the years: the Plainfield Bottling site – opened since 1966 – and the warehouse collectively employ more than 600 additional people.