Coca Cola Look To Invest 300 Million Euro In Wexford

The proposed investment is expected to exceed $300 million, of which a portion would be dedicated to R&D activities.

The proposed investment would include manufacturing, laboratory and pilot plant facilities to enable process development and product commercialisation.

It is anticipated that the proposed flavour manufacturing and innovation facility will create approximately 60 jobs after one year and in excess of 100 jobs after five years of operation.

The skill sets required would include advanced process development, engineering and manufacturing.

IDA Ireland will be supporting both the manufacturing and R&D dimensions of the overall investment.

Ms. Coughlan said, "The proposed investment would create a highly advanced and fully integrated manufacturing and innovation facility for The Coca-Cola Company. It is anticipated that the proposed facility would employ a range of leading edge technologies in this industry.

"The decision to submit a planning application tomorrow for the company's proposed investment in Wexford is a very strong endorsement of Ireland's attractiveness as a location for strategically important and knowledge-dependent activities from a world leading company.

"This development by Coca-Cola would be a terrific addition to the industry base in Wexford and the South East Region".

Crystal Warwell Walker, Coca-Cola spokesperson said: "The Company's decision to submit a planning application to Wexford County Council was preceded by an extensive due diligence and site selection process.

"We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Ireland and we look forward to this next step in the consideration of this important project."