Ice-cream and confectionery manufacturer Mackie's of Scotland has invested in a new ice packaging machine to increase its production capacity. 

The £300,000 ($383,181) packaging machine is capable of filling 30 bags of ice per minute and will boost the company's production capacity by up to three million additional bags annually. 

Mackie's of Scotland managing director Stuart Common said: "This new ice packaging machine represents a monumental leap forward in packaging technology.  

"Unlike traditional packaging machines, this state-of-the-art equipment focuses on enhancing packaging efficiency in order to boost capacity. 

“This six-figure investment into our ice production process underscores our commitment to the business’ growth, while also slotting seamlessly into our wider environmentally focussed refrigeration upgrades, which are the first of their kind in Scotland.”  

The increased production capacity utilises Mackie's low-carbon refrigeration system, which cuts down on energy use by employing natural refrigerant gases and biomass power.  

The company houses one of Europe’s largest ice-producing machines, which can produce up to 50 tons of ice each day.  

Common added: “Mackie’s ice cream has already been added to more than 1,000 new UK stores this year, and with our improved ice-production capacity we hope to see similarly strong growth for our bags of ice over the rest of 2024. 

“Installing this new equipment has allowed us to scale up manufacturing of our ice cubes, while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and quality.” 

Mackie's uses fresh hillside spring water for its ice production and employs rainwater capture technology across its farm, which supplies all the water needed for the office, residential, and dairy buildings at the site.