Global drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced a £17 million expansion at its bottling plant near Lisburn, the largest investment at the site since it opened in 2008.
The move, which add an additional 4,597 square feet to the facility, will also see the creation of 35 new jobs, adding to the 450 people already employed there.
Part of the Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland division of the soft drinks manufacturer, the Lisburn site won the investment ahead of a number of other potential locations from throughout Europe, having been part of an internal tender process.
Coca-Cola has had a manufacturing presence in Northern Ireland for over 80 years and is committed to the region, Miles Karemacher, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland said.
“We are delighted to announce the expansion of our Knockmore Hill production facility. Coca-Cola HBC has a rich history in Northern Ireland and this extension demonstrates our strong continued commitment to the island of Ireland and to our employees and the communities we serve here,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of our team in Knockmore Hill and the work they do, acting as a leader in innovation and sustainability across the sector and I am confident that the future is bright for our organisation across the island in the years to come.”
The extension will cover manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. Production at the expanded facility is set to begin in August 2023.
Rt Hon Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris MP travelled to the Lisburn site to make the announcement.
“Today’s announcement and the continued investment by Coca-Cola HBC into its production facility in Lisburn is testament to the great place Northern Ireland is to do business in,” he said. “With over 80 years in the area, it’s really positive to see Coca-Cola HBC’s dedication to innovation and development in Northern Ireland, creating jobs and helping to strengthen the economy.”
