Thatcher’s: A tour in Cider

Attendees were asked to arrive one hour before the tour was to begin; allowing time for refreshments after their scenic drive down into Somerset. Teas and coffees were served in the adjoining Railway Inn Pub, which is on the Thatcher’s factory site.

After donning the necessary high vis we began our tour. As Thatcher’s is a family run business learning the history was an important part of understanding their success story. Starting in 1904 on a working farm, making Cider to pay the workers, and gradually working up to a multi-million pound Cider production factory in the space of Five generations.

As our members were taking the internal part of the tour many of them were able to identify components used within the production line. This was fascinating for the group as some components were made by our members.

Automation has been key to the success of Thatcher’s. The ability to move bottles, pallets, kegs,  around the canning floor at speed is integral to their sales and distribution plans. It is fair to say that all aspects of the production line, from high speed scanning to robotics are covered here.

Built into the automation at Thatcher’s is sustainability. Reusing water where possible and saving on Co2 production by streamlining processes.

At the end of the tour the members were shown the new expansion of the Thatcher’s site; followed by a tasting session and an outstanding Mediterranean themed lunch.

Richard Booth, Movitec Sales Manager at Mosca said, ‘Well worth attending. Very interesting and well lead visit, and an opportunity to network with likeminded people dealing in your industry.’

Dean Chilvers, General Manager at Newtec Odense Ltd said, ‘Thank you to the team for organising another great factory visit. Very interesting and informative as always. Thank you.’

Graham Lee, Solutions Consultant at Iconsys said, ‘Interesting day seeing how they manufacture the product. Well planned tour and great networking opportunities.’

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