Glasgow coffee roaster Matthew Algie begins major investment to support growth and sustainability ambition
Scottish Enterprise provides support to innovative project
Glasgow-based coffee roaster Matthew Algie is building for the future with a multi-million pound investment at its production headquarters.
Established over 150 years ago, Matthew Algie has seen considerable growth in recent years and with this investment programme, it will allow the firm to roast over 2500 tonnes of coffee each year for its customers.
The investment project will include the introduction of a new green bean handling and blending system, upgraded automation, new conveying systems, and state of the art packaging lines.
In addition to the operational improvements, the investment will support the firms’ new sustainability strategy which will see the entire business become net zero by 2035 with its entire business operations, including supply chain, hitting the target by 2040.
A new green storage area will enable hessian sacks to be replaced with larger 1 tonne transportation bags that will deliver a 90% manual handling reduction, as well as increased coffee container capacity. Shipping coffee in bulk containers from coffee producing countries to UK ports will increase capacity by 11%, and onward delivery to the Glasgow site will see a 25% capacity increase which will reduce costs and carbon emissions.
Paul Chadderton, managing director, Matthew Algie said: “Matthew Algie has been an employer in Glasgow for over 150 years and our history of producing and distributing the best quality beverages is world renowned.
“This recent round of investment builds additional capacity and will future proof the business to offer even more products to its customers.”
The Glasgow roastery is already carbon neutral, but the firm recently launched its Net Zero Roadmap which details the investment and improvement programmes across the entire business in order to become net zero.
Paul continued: “Equally important however is how these improvements will help supercharge our efforts to reach net zero, as by 2035 our operations in the UK and Ireland will be carbon neutral or better, with our entire value supply chain net zero by 2040.
“This is a hugely exciting time for our business and particularly our Glasgow roastery as we look to continue on our growth trajectory whilst being the leading supplier of sustainable, high-quality beverages in the UK and Ireland.”
Matthew Algie’s investment project has been enabled by support from by Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency.
Rhona Allison, Managing Director of Business Growth at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Matthew Algie’s products are enjoyed by consumers across Scotland, the wider UK and Ireland.
“This innovative project will enhance the company’s productivity and manufacturing capability whilst also reducing its carbon emissions, delivering 38 new jobs and safeguarding many existing roles in the process. Scottish Enterprise is delighted to support Matthew Algie’s growth, investment and ambition to significantly increase their productivity.”
The investment work will be carried out around ongoing production and will be completed in Autumn 2023.
Contact Information
Robbie McGregor
Notes to editors
A version of this news release was initially published on Matthew Algie's website, which you can view here: https://www.matthewalgie.com/blog/roasteryinvestment/
Photo caption: The Matthew Algie senior management team at the new green bean facility. L to R: Matthew Limmer, Engineering & Facilities Manager; Dr Eduarda Cristovam, Director of Coffee, Quality & Sustainability; Paul Chadderton, Managing Director; Estelle MacGilp, Head of Coffee Sourcing; Robert Milne, Roastery & Site Manager
About Matthew Algie
- Matthew Algie is a coffee roaster based in Glasgow.
- The business launched 150 years ago, and today supplies coffee and tea products to thousands of cafes across the UK and Ireland.
- Matthew Algie offers free industry-leading training for its customers – online, at their own premises, or one of the dedicated coffee schools in London, Dublin and Glasgow.
- Matthew Algie was the first roaster to offer triple certified espresso coffee - approved by the Fairtrade Foundation, Rainforest Alliance and Organic Food Federation.
- Matthew Algie goes to extraordinary lengths to source the tastiest beans. By travelling to origin and working hand-in-hand with farmers from around the world, their customers get the best tasting sustainable coffee possible.