Project
In 2019, Princes Soft Drinks made the decision to close its long-standing soft drinks manufacturing facility in Manchester. Early the following year, Eddisons was appointed to manage the disposal of all surplus production and site assets.
Although the original plan was to hold an online auction in 2020, the sale was delayed until August 2021 due to the phased commissioning of Princes’ new production facility. Despite this, Eddisons successfully delivered a complex, large-scale asset disposal project that maximised asset realisation and ensured the site was cleared to the required standard for handover.
Approach
Eddisons worked closely with Princes to coordinate enabling works that supported both the relocation of retained equipment and the removal of surplus assets. This collaboration ensured an efficient and safe extraction process with minimal disruption to ongoing activities.
The equipment portfolio included multiple Tetra Pak filling lines, silos, pasteurisers, packing lines, steam-raising boilers, compressors, CIP systems, workshops, and canteen facilities. Every saleable item was listed for inclusion in an extensive online auction.
To prepare the facility for handover to the purchaser, Eddisons also appointed and managed a specialist subcontractor to complete a soft strip of the factory, leaving the site in the agreed condition.
An international marketing campaign was executed to attract a broad range of buyers. The campaign generated interest and bids from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, achieving strong market exposure for all listed assets.
Results
Through detailed planning, global marketing, and expert project coordination, Eddisons successfully managed the full asset disposal process for Princes Soft Drinks.
Despite the challenges posed by the site’s Victorian-era layout (including a live railway running through the property), all assets were safely removed on schedule. The project was made possible through seamless collaboration between Princes, Eddisons, and a team of specialist contractors, including refrigeration and removal experts.
Eddisons delivered a comprehensive and efficient disposal programme that maximised asset value, minimised risk, and ensured the site’s readiness for transfer to its new owner.
