BOOTS has begun a £20m renovation and modernisation programme of its huge D10 factory at Beeston. The building was formally opened 80 years ago and to mark its commitment to manufacturing in Nottingham, a time capsule containing modern products made in the factory was buried in the lawn outside.
It was built as Boots' "wet" factory and the ceremony coincided with the anniversary of the formal opening 80 years ago.
The grade I listed building is undergoing a £20m modernisation programme making it fit for purpose, so that products made by Boots can be sold around the world at competitive prices.
Boots has been struggling to make its Nottingham factories profitable and company management have time and again insisted it is committed to manufacturing in the city, providing it is competitive.
Alex Gourlay, chief executive of parent company Alliance Boots health and beauty, who performed the ceremony, said: "We want to recognise the fantastic history of D10 but we also believe it has a good future. "
Today, the factory is operated by BCM, a separate company from Boots, employing 1,800 workers. About 50 have worked in D10 for 30 years and their contribution was acknowledged and thanked at a gathering last week.
Mr Gourlay said Boots was investing in equipment and IT systems in the factory to improve manufacturing processes. It is also altering part of the building where it makes licensed products.
BCM is pulling out of manufacturing for third parties to concentrate on making its own products, some of which Boots wants to export as part of its growth plans. The acquisition of Alliance Boots by Walgreens, the US drug chain, opens up the prospect of beauty and skincare products made in Nottingham being sold in the 8,000 American stores.
Mr Gourlay said the change of direction was to make sure the factory concentrated on making competitive products for the group where it has a sustained competitive advantage.
Lines made in D10 include Soltan sun screen, No7 skincare and Boots Pharmaceuticals liquid medicines
"The aim is to focus on the things we are good at to make sure we can sustain the business into the future which is our ambition," he said.
"As we enter new international markets, and understand the types of products American consumers will want to buy from us, we will improve the amount of products we sell."
Last month, Boots launched No7 For Men into Walgreens stores, all made in Nottingham.