By Bridie Adams

A CIDER company has started its £2 million expansion, which is expected to last for a few weeks.

Westons Cider has started work to modernise its mill in Much Marcle, with new cider presses being installed to process more fruit and reduce the business’s carbon footprint.

A tower crane is currently on site to remove the vat shed roofing and help take the cider making water tables out, while another larger crane came to move vats from one building to another ready for the new presses. The large crane will return Monday (June 5) when the two new presses arrive at the mill.

The presses will run entirely off renewable energy sources.

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Giles Goodwin, production manager at Westons Cider, said: “Our world-renowned ciders are currently experiencing huge growth and this investment will mean we can fulfil increasing demand while helping to prevent orchards from being grubbed up and preserving nature throughout the region. As a business we’re committed to working towards a more sustainable future.”

The new presses form part of a wider plan to make Westons Cider more environmentally friendly. Last year, the company invested in a new canning line to improve its recyclable packaging capabilities and reduce the need to transport cider elsewhere.

Westons also sends its pomace, left behind during the pressing process, to be converted into food-grade CO2 used to carbonate its much-loved ciders, including Old Rosie and Rosie’s Pig.

The company claims to be one of the five largest manufacturing businesses in Herefordshire by revenue. It employs more than 270 people and sells its products in more than 40 countries.