Ardagh Metal Packaging to build $200m NI can plant
The factory will be designed to serve increased demand from AMP’s beverage customers in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
The initiative is part of a multi-billion dollar investment programme by AMP involving the construction of new, infinitely recyclable, metal packaging capacity in Europe, North America and Brazil, according to the business. It claimed metal cans were the most recycled form of drinks packaging in the world, contributing to a circular economy and the sustainability requirements of AMP customers and consumers.
AMP plans to build the new plant at Global Point near Belfast, close to key local customers. The exact number of newly created jobs has yet to be finalised.
Pre-planning application
AMP is currently at the pre-planning application stage and is actively engaged with local stakeholders on the project. Further details of the plant will be announced over the coming months.
“This exciting project is an important part of AMP’s global investment programme," Oliver Graham, chief executive of AMP, said. "We are delighted to be investing in Northern Ireland supporting our clients’ sustainability needs and further reducing our carbon footprint by locating capacity closer to our end customers.”
Marcel Martin, chief supply chain officer, Coca-Cola HBC, said: “It is great to see this investment in the new can making facility and in Northern Ireland, especially as it will supply high-quality beverage cans to our plants.
Coca-Cola HBC production facility in Lisburn
"With our own production facility in Knockmore Hill, Lisburn, Ardagh’s investment showcases the importance of partnership to bringing shared value to suppliers and customers and aligns with our desire to shorten our supply chain to reduce emissions and buy local where possible and support local jobs and communities.”
Commenting David Spratt, chief executive of AMP Europe, said: “We plan to have the new plant operational during 2023 and we expect to commence recruitment in 2022. This investment is supported by key AMP customers and will have capacity for further expansion to service additional growth in customer demand.”
AMP, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is 75% owned by Ardagh Group the international packaging group which traces its origins back to glass manufacturing in Dublin in the 1930’s. AMP operates 23 production facilities in nine countries, employing close to 5,000 employees with sales of 3.5bn.
