The Coca-Cola Company Breaks Ground in Wexford

We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Ireland and the IDA, and we are confident that the decision to locate this facility in Ireland is the right one for our business"

Muhtar Kent - CEO, The Coca Cola Company 

30/11/2008

Coca Cola
Construction of its Manufacturing and Innovation Facility Begins

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD today (30th November 2008) officiated at a special groundbreaking event to mark the start of construction of a new Coca-Cola flavour manufacturing and innovation facility on a 41 acre site in the IDA Business & Technology Park in Wexford. The facility will support the company’s strategic growth initiatives and will involve manufacturing, laboratory and pilot plant facilities to enable process development and product commercialisation. The $300 million investment is supported by Government through IDA Ireland.

The new operation will create approximately 60 jobs after one year and in excess of 100 jobs after five years of the plant’s operation. The skill sets required will include advanced process development, engineering and manufacturing.

The Taoiseach, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Wexford, said, “The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company and its decision to choose Ireland for its strategically important and knowledge-driven activity is very significant for the South East and for the country as a whole. This $300 million investment will lead to job creation, a substantial contribution to the regional economy and is a tremendous addition to our manufacturing and technology industry base. We are delighted to welcome the company to Wexford and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Coca-Cola here.”

Also speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, The Coca-Cola Company President and CEO Muhtar Kent said, “Over the next several years, the $650 billion dollar global non-alcoholic ready-to-drink industry is expected to grow faster than the world’s GDP. This facility will help to support the current and future growth strategies necessary for The Coca-Cola Company to continue to succeed in a rapidly changing and dynamic marketplace. We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Ireland and the IDA, and we are confident that the decision to locate this facility in Ireland is the right one for our business.” Mr. Kent also said, "A special thanks to the people of Wexford for your warm welcome. We sincerely look forward to being a part of this great community."

Media queries about Coca-Cola please contact:
The Coca-Cola Company - Crystal Warwell Walker, Director of Communications
Tel: 404-676-2683

For suppliers/HR queries re Coca-Cola please contact:
The Coca-Cola Company, Wexford Manufacturing
Mary Martin, HR Manager, 053 9182203

Media enquiries re IDA Ireland:
Brendan Kenny, Press & PR Officer. Tel: 087 9036126