IRELAND – Britvic, the soft drinks company, has announced plans to invest €6 million (US$6.41m) in its Ballygowan facility in Ireland to enhance production capabilities and increase capacity at the plant.
The Ballygowan facility, located in County Kildare, is the largest bottled water plant in Ireland. It produces a range of still and sparkling water products, including the popular Ballygowan brand.
The investment will involve the installation of new state-of-the-art equipment and technology, which will improve the efficiency and productivity of the plant. It will also create an additional 28 manufacturing jobs opportunities in the local area.
Britvic’s decision to invest in the Ballygowan facility is a testament to the success and growth of the brand in Ireland. The company has seen strong demand for its water products, particularly in the health-conscious consumer market.
The investment will also support Britvic’s sustainability goals, as the new equipment will be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and minimizing its impact on the environment.
Britvic added that its Ballygowan bottles are made using 100% recycled and recyclable polyethylene terephthalate plastic.
Britvic’s CEO, Simon Litherland, expressed his excitement about the investment, stating that it demonstrates the company’s commitment to the Irish market and its confidence in the Ballygowan brand. He also highlighted the importance of the facility in Britvic’s overall production network.
Britvic Ireland managing director Kevin Donnelly added: “This investment will create new manufacturing roles for the local area, provide additional bottling capacity for the equivalent of 50 million 500ml bottles of Ballygowan made from fully recycled and recyclable plastic, enhance production capability, and underpin the strong sustainability credentials of our site.
“We are incredibly proud of this latest milestone in Ballygowan’s journey as Ireland’s most loved and leading bottled water brand, and the benefits this investment will return for Britvic Ireland and the wider community in Newcastle West.”
The investment is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, with the upgraded facility fully operational in early 2023.
Britvic hopes that the increased production capacity will allow it to meet the growing demand for its water products and continue to expand its market share in Ireland.
Last month, the company invested US$24.5 million in expanding Beckton’s facility production by 30%, advancing eco-friendly production.
The investment will be used to install the facility’s sixth bottling line, creating 18 new jobs in the process, and bringing the headcount to more than 240 people.
Britvic noted that the investment comes in response to the growing demand for its products, helping the brand reach its growth targets and enabling the company to diversify its range of beverages.
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