Brewer Shepherd Neame has taken the first steps on a £400,000 modernisation of its keg plant by unveiling a state-of-the-art robot.

Frank Jr, as the machine has been nicknamed, is an updated version of the automated industrial robot it has been using on its keg-filling production line for the last 20 years.

It removes empty kegs from pallets and moves them on a conveyor before they undergo a cleaning process and are refilled.

Chief engineer Mark Bowes said: “When we installed the robot, we named it Frank after former longstanding team member Frank Rush, who used to move and stack the cask and kegs back in the day.”

However, the original’s operating system has become outdated so the Faversham firm invested in an upgraded version – the first phase of its £400,000 upgrade during 2024.

The new robot, manufactured by German firm KUKA, is faster, easier to maintain and consumes less energy. It began full operations on Monday.

Director of brewing, Mike Unsworth, added: “When we decided to replace Frank with a newer model, it seemed apt to continue the tradition by calling the new robot Frank Jr.

“He can process up to 2,000 kegs in one day and will help ensure we are able to meet demand for our keg beers in the most efficient way possible.”