The importance of food and beverages in bringing families together is evident in the Boyce family gatherings, where discussions often revolve around Nestlé. For generations, the Boyces have had a strong connection with the Nestlé factory in Tutbury, Derbyshire, with various family members having been part of the workforce.
Sam Boyce, aged 58, reflects on the shared legacy, stating, “We all share a bond through Nestlé. Looking back at our family’s history at the company, you can trace it back to World War II. It holds a special place in our heritage.” The Tutbury factory, established in 1901 to produce tinned milk, has been a central part of the local community, with Sam’s sister Karen recalling their grandmother working there.
Transitioning to manufacturing instant coffee in 1959, the factory now produces a significant volume of Nescafé products daily, including 170,000 jars of Nescafé and 25 million Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods weekly. This production scale has provided stability and employment opportunities for the village over the years.
Sam, who began working at the factory in 1995, reminisces about packing coffee sachets for Concorde and the camaraderie among colleagues. With advancements in automation, the efficiency of production has greatly improved. From his initial role, Sam has progressed to become a shift manager, highlighting the career growth opportunities at Nestlé.
Karen, aged 63, joined the workforce in 1998, balancing work with family responsibilities. As a technical operator creating sachets for hotels, she takes pride in her work, especially when enjoying a cup of coffee on vacation. Despite initial doubts about operating the machinery, Karen found support from colleagues and felt at ease due to the family history associated with the factory.
Carrying on the family tradition, Sam’s son Ryan, aged 38, works as a lead operator and aspires to pursue a career in engineering. Nestlé is supporting his development by sponsoring his NVQ Level 3 in mechanical engineering. Ryan values the work-life balance provided by the company, allowing him to be present for his children’s milestones, inspired by his father’s involvement in his upbringing.
In addition to its historical significance for many British families, Nestlé remains at the forefront of innovation, utilizing British expertise and technology to produce globally recognized coffee brands.