Key Points
- A second production line has been added in the facility, which allows the factory to produce 35 million cans per year in the UK RTD sector.
- Tata Steel’s subsidiary company, UKSE, has acquired an equity interest in the family business to aid in achieving their growth aspirations.
- The family business has extended into the neighboring unit at Freemans Park, Cardiff, effectively doubling their space to accommodate the newly introduced £400,000 canning line.
- There will be an increase in turnover by 50% in the year 2026; the number of employees will go up from 7 to 30 within the next three years.
- Paul Miller holds the position of the managing director in Cardiff Canning while Michelle Noble acts as the UKSE area manager of Wales, and Matt Stewart acts as the UKSE investment director.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) September 28, 2026 – As reported by Rhys Gregory of Wales 247, Cardiff Canning has secured an equity investment from UKSE, allowing the local manufacturing firm to install a second production line and double its annual output to 35 million cans for the UK Ready to Drink (RTD) market.
Following the investment, the family-run enterprise has moved into the adjacent unit located at Freemans Park in Cardiff. This strategic relocation has effectively doubled the firm’s physical footprint, yielding critical storage space and improving overall operational efficiency to house the £400,000 second canning line.
As detailed by Rhys Gregory of Wales 247, the capital injection aligns with a robust business plan that forecasts a 50% increase in turnover over the course of 2026. Furthermore, projections indicate that the company’s workforce will grow from its current 7 employees to 30 workers over a three-year period, maintaining a strong focus on workforce training and upskilling within an increasingly automated workspace.
How Are Company Leaders Responding to the UKSE Partnership?
Reflecting on the milestone agreement, Paul Miller, Managing Director of Cardiff Canning, expressed optimism regarding the future of the business. As reported by Rhys Gregory of Wales 247, Paul Miller stated that
“We are very pleased to be working with UKSE in what we are sure will be a long and fruitful relationship.”
Cardiff Canning provides comprehensive support to both large and small drinks brands, assisting them through every stage of production including canning, blending, product development, and storage solutions. Elaborating on the significance of manufacturing partnerships, Paul Miller noted to Rhys Gregory of Wales 247 that
“Choosing the right manufacturer is the most important decision a drinks company can make. We have all the facilities and knowledge to help them bring their ideas to market, and we pride ourselves on our hands on approach putting customer relations first.”
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What Role Is UKSE Playing in the Cardiff Expansion?
UKSE, which functions as a subsidiary of Tata Steel and recently secured the Insider Deal of the Year up to £5 million for Wales, provides equity investments of up to £1 million directed toward Welsh businesses aiming to establish lasting, high-quality employment opportunities. Michelle Noble, UKSE Area Manager in Wales, highlighted her enthusiasm for the collaboration alongside Matt Stewart, UKSE Investment Director.
As outlined by Rhys Gregory of Wales 247, Michelle Noble stated that the manufacturing firm exhibits “a clear focus and strong ethos with quality and customer relationships at its heart.” She added in the report by Rhys Gregory of Wales 247 that
“More space and increased automation will enable the firm to move to the next level and draw in new customers. The potential for growth is considerable and our new partnership comes at a crucial stage and I am confident UKSE, with our experience in equity investment, can play a vital role.”
Discussing the broader economic landscape in Wales, Michelle Noble further explained to Rhys Gregory of Wales 247 that
“Many businesses in Wales would benefit from a capital injection in the form of equity from a flexible and patient partner, who is there to support rather than control the business. We back management teams to deliver their own business plans and are very happy to discuss how we can support them at any time.”
Marking its 50th anniversary under Michelle Noble’s regional leadership in Wales, UKSE has historically supported approximately 83,000 jobs throughout the UK using a combination of loans, equity investments, and grants. The organization also owns and manages regional hubs including the Cardiff Bay Business Centre and the Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre.
Background of the Particular Development
The expansion of Cardiff Canning reflects a broader trend of manufacturing resilience and strategic regional investment within South Wales. Over recent decades, the Welsh manufacturing and packaging sectors have faced fluctuating market conditions, shifting supply chain demands, and the pressures of technological modernization. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in specialized sectors—such as the burgeoning Ready to Drink (RTD) beverage market—frequently encounter barriers related to capital expenditure, particularly when scaling production lines to meet national retail demand.
Financial intermediaries like UKSE, backed by industrial heritage through Tata Steel, have historically stepped in to bridge the gap left by traditional commercial lenders. By utilizing flexible equity investments rather than rigid debt structures, these interventions allow family-run and independent businesses to retain operational control while funding infrastructure upgrades, automation, and real estate expansion. This particular development at Freemans Park mirrors similar recent industrial investments across Wales, demonstrating a sustained regional push toward modernization and increased export capacity within local manufacturing hubs.
This development is poised to significantly impact local economic growth, employment opportunities, and the broader beverage manufacturing ecosystem in South Wales, directly affecting local job seekers, regional drink brands, and small business owners. For prospective employees in the Cardiff area, the projected increase in headcount from 7 to 30 workers over three years represents tangible career opportunities, particularly given the emphasis on training and upskilling within an automated manufacturing environment.
For independent and scaling drinks brands across the UK, Cardiff Canning’s expanded capacity to produce 35 million cans annually provides a vital domestic pipeline for product development, blending, and distribution. By alleviating bottlenecks in the canning and supply chain process, local and national beverage enterprises can accelerate their time-to-market. Furthermore, the success of this equity partnership may encourage other Welsh SMEs to pursue flexible investment models, potentially spurring further modernization and job creation across the regional manufacturing sector.
