AMP PLANS TO BUILD A NEW PLANT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Multinational Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) has submitted a full planning application to build a new state-of-the-art beverage can plant with an initial investment worth $200 million (£150 million) in Northern Ireland.

Specifically, AMP plans to build the new plant at Global Point, Newtownabbey, near Belfast, close to key local customers, including Diageo and Coca-Cola (Hellenic). The approximately 40,000 square meter manufacturing facility is expected to generate approximately 160 direct jobs (FTE) at the site, plus an additional 30 indirect jobs through associated suppliers and ancillary businesses, in this highly sustainable plant.

For his part, Oliver Graham, CEO of AMP, says, “We are delighted to present our plans for a new state-of-the-art production facility at Global Point. We are a high-tech, circular economy company. Our products are helping beverage companies improve their own sustainability by using our infinitely recyclable packaging.”

Graham adds, “Our proposals will help strengthen our relationships with existing customers and consumers on the island of Ireland and Great Britain. We are pleased to have taken a further step towards delivering this new plant in Northern Ireland as part of our industry-leading multi-year growth strategy to complement our existing production base across Europe.”

David Spratt, CEO of AMP Europe adds, “We are pleased to have achieved another milestone towards delivering an operational plant in 2023, and we will continue to work closely with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and legal advisors to achieve planning permission in the coming months. Our investment will generate almost 200 new jobs in Northern Ireland and bring significant long-term skilled employment opportunities to the area. AMP looks forward to working closely and collaboratively with them in support of employment and education programs later this year, once planning permission has been granted and construction can begin.”

At the moment, the submission of the planning application to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council follows a period of pre-application community consultation and engagement with the Council and Invest NI. AMP, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is 75% owned by Ardagh Group.