The new £93million Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland manufacturing plant was officially opened in Lisburn today.

Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland is part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, the world’s largest producer of Coca-Cola branded beverages with a presence in 28 countries, employing 45,000 people and serving 560 million consumers.

In 2005, Invest Northern Ireland announced that it had secured the project with an offer of support totalling £6.75million.

First Minister Peter Robinson said: "In choosing to locate this £93million facility in Northern Ireland, Coca-Cola is making clear its long term commitment to this region. Invest Northern Ireland negotiated for two years to secure this multi-million pound project which has safeguarded almost 400 jobs. This site will now demonstrate internationally the strength of the local food and drink sector and our world class manufacturing capabilities."

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Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness commented: "As Coca-Cola’s all-Ireland manufacturing and bottling plant, this state of the art facility now employs in the region of 600 people in a key industry sector, across a range of skilled roles. With the relocation of key operations now complete, all Coca-Cola products sold in Ireland will be made here in Lisburn, a fact which can only continue to deliver long term economic benefits."

Doros Constantiou, CEO of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, added: "The Knockmore Hill facility combines technical innovation, efficiency and environmental sensitivity in a modern comfortable workplace. Its location was chosen because of the established production and operations capabilities in the area, a solid infrastructure and the strong support received from Invest Northern Ireland."

(GK/KMcA)