Coca-Cola investment secures 250 NI jobs

More than 250 jobs have been secured in Co Antrim after Coca-Cola confirmed it is to build a new plant on the outskirts of Lisburn at a cost of £53 million.

The move ends months of speculation about the future of the company's operations on both sides of the border with the new plant opening at Knockmore Hill but will see the closure of the firm's nearby Lambeg operation.

Rowan Black of Lisburn Chamber of Commerce said: "The fact that the jobs have been retained within the Lisburn area is superb, and also the fact that they are retained in Northern Ireland and not lost to the Republic.”

Former economy Minister Sir Reg Empey welcomed the decision to establish a new plant in Northern Ireland.

“There had been concern that the plant could have gone to the Republic instead of Northern Ireland, which would have been a blow for Northern Ireland’s economy,” Sir Reg said.

“I congratulate all those involved in securing this investment and wish the company and workforce well in the years ahead.”

In all, Coca-Cola has three operations in Ireland, North and South - at Lambeg in Co Antrim, on the outskirts of west Dublin and at Greenore in Co Louth.

However, the company’s decision to invest in its Northern Ireland operation will mean up to 300 jobs losses in the Republic of Ireland.

(MB/SP)