Nestlé is expanding the production of Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee pods at its Schwerin site. From 2027, around 2.3 billion pods are to be produced there annually – roughly 500 million more than previously.
According to the company, the Schwerin plant is taking on additional production tasks within the international Nestlé network. Annual production is thus set to rise from the previous figure of around 1.8 billion to 2.3 billion coffee capsules. This corresponds to an increase of roughly 28 per cent. At the same time, Nestlé is planning around 50 new hires from October 2026.
Eight packaging lines in Schwerin
The plant, which opened in 2014, has ten filling and eight packaging lines. It produces 28 different varieties of Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee pods for various markets. According to the company, a total of around 20 billion pods have been manufactured since production began.
For the additional volumes, three of the ten production lines are to be switched from a three-shift to a four-shift operation. The plant currently employs around 350 staff, including 18 apprentices. Those being sought include machine and plant operators as well as personnel for engineering and logistics.
„The decision to increase production capacities in Schwerin is a strong signal and an expression of confidence in the performance of the site and its employees. In recent years, Schwerin has developed into a key production facility within the international network, and we see further potential here. With this expansion, we are strengthening the site's competitiveness and future viability.“
Alexander von Maillot, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Germany
Less plastic for the coffee pods
Regarding packaging, Nestlé also points to changes at the site. For instance, the wall thickness of the coffee capsules has been reduced by 20 per cent, which has lowered the proportion of plastic. The company does not provide figures on the resulting absolute material savings.
According to Nestlé, the entire electricity requirement for production in Schwerin comes from renewable energy sources. The coffee beans processed there are roasted and ground on site, and then further processed into capsule products.
Source: Nestlé
