Newtownabbey is set for a significant boost with plans announced for a new 58,000 square metre facility at Global Point Business Park.

Global firm the Ardagh Group will invest in the facility, creating jobs and supply opportunities in the local area.

The Ardagh Group is a leading global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable, metal beverage cans to brand owners, and currently have 23 production facilities across nine countries. They currently employ close to 5,000 employees with sales of approximately $3.5bn (approximately £2.5bn).

The development at Global Point which is owned by Invest NI further enhances the portfolio of high quality investments planned for this location which includes Sensata's new research and development centre and AMIC the Queen's University led Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Centre. These strategic investments will sit alongside RLC, the first company to take up occupancy on the site which will also benefit from a recent planning approval to significantly extend the Park and Ride facility at Mossley West.

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Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said: "I am absolutely delighted to hear that the Ardagh Group has chosen our Borough to open their first site in Northern Ireland. Newtownabbey has excellent transport links to airports, sea ports and main arterial road routes and with a great skills base amongst our residents they will find excellent employees both locally and further afield. This development will provide employment and opportunities for various sectors across the economy, from the site build to the day to day operation once established. I am sure that not only will many of our local residents benefit as a result, it will also provide opportunities for our young people to develop skills in the future not to mention our local businesses who will welcome this additional footfall in the area."

Councillor Webb added: "The Council is working closely with potential investors such as the Ardagh Group to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance in relation to site information, professional planning advice and financial support in an efficient and timely manner to facilitate their investment decisions. We believe our borough is an exceptional investment opportunity and we are committed to supporting any business interested in locating or expanding within Antrim & Newtownabbey."