82 jobs lost as Coke to shut down Athy plant

DRINKS giant Coca-Cola is to close its manufacturing plant in Kildare with the loss of 82 jobs.

The company said yesterday that following a review of its concentrate manufacturing, it is transferring production from its Athy plant to the high capacity facility at Ballina Beverages, Co Mayo.

Of the 82 direct jobs being lost, 43 will transfer to the plant in Mayo, and employees affected by the Athy closure will have the option to transfer, the company said.

Coca-Cola will commence a period of consultation with employee representatives at Athy International Concentrates in respect of the closure.

“It is with regret that we are announcing the proposed closure of the plant in Athy,” said Manqoba Khumalo, general manager of Athy International Concentrates.

“The site has been in operation for 45 years, with Coca-Cola acquiring the plant in 2000.

“Employees have made a valuable contribution to Coca-Cola’s international business.”

In addition to a redundancy package, the company said it would provide workers with other supports including financial advice and retraining.

Together with its bottling partner, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, the Coca-Cola brand employs almost 1,600 people here.