UK – Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) has secured approval by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council to construct a new £150 million (US$ 181.47 million) beverage canning facility at Global Point Business Park in Northern Ireland, UK.
AMP plans to construct the 42,585 square meter factory, resulting in the creation of almost 200 jobs, at Invest Northern Ireland’s Newtownabbey location.
The advanced Co Antrim plant will continue to supply Diageo and Coca-Cola while also serving its expanding client base in Ireland, the UK, and Europe.
AMP Europe CEO David Spratt said: “We are delighted to be granted planning permission to deliver a new innovative manufacturing facility in Newtownabbey and progress closer to the creation of nearly 200 new jobs for the local employment market whilst also supporting circular economy growth.
“We appreciate the excellent support from the Council and the constructive engagement with the local community.”
Metal cans, as AMP contends, are a major contributor to the circular economy because of their high collection recycling rates and considerable usage of recycled materials.
The recycled material satisfies the environmental sustainability demands of AMP’s clients and consumers.
According to Innova Market Insights, less than 25% of consumers in the UK believe that metal packaging (including materials like aluminum and tin) is an environmentally sustainable option in terms of its recyclability performance.
In addition, 47% of UK consumers prefer their beverages packaged in glass, while a mere 8% favor metal packaging, the market researcher shows.
Despite this preference, the metal packaging company asserts that the plant will serve its growing customer base in Ireland, the UK and Europe while continuing to supply key customers.
The granted permission follows the recent approval of Steel Mac Distribution (SMD)’s £4 million (US$4.84 million) steel production facility by the council.
According to the mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross, the council is “well on track” to meet its goal of investing £1 billion and adding 2,000 employment by 2025.
Ross said: “Planning approval paves the way to the borough cementing its reputation as an economic stronghold, bringing with it both investment and employment. This £150 million (US$181.47 million) announcement represents the confidence investors have in the area.
“The economic importance of this development and the benefits it will bring not just to Antrim and Newtownabbey, but to the whole of Northern Ireland, cannot be overstated.”
In its new site, the company will prioritize environmental responsibilities by reducing imports and associated CO2 emissions and installing state-of-the-art equipment to decrease electricity and gas consumption by manufacturing beverage cans more sustainably.
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