Britvic Ireland today announced plans to invest €7.6 million in its Dublin manufacturing operation in a move towards best-in-class manufacturing. The upgraded facility will also accommodate production volumes from the company’s Cork plant. The moves, which are designed to boost operating efficiencies in the highly competitive soft drinks market, will result in 60 job losses in Cork on a phased basis over the next 12 months.

Commenting, Billy O’Regan, Managing Director, Britvic Ireland said: "Whereas the job losses proposed today are very regrettable they form part of a package of measures that will assist the ongoing growth and development of Britvic Ireland which employs over 900 staff on the island of Ireland.

"The proposal to consolidate production to a large scale, manufacturing centre in Dublin is essential for two reasons. Firstly, the concentration of manufacturing at an enlarged production facility delivers significant economies of scale facilitated by an immediate and necessary €7.6million capital investment. Secondly, existing production lines at the Cork plant would require heavy investment to meet future requirements.

"I would like to acknowledge the exemplary service of our Cork staff over many years. Over the coming days and weeks, we will consult with staff in Cork regarding plans for the phased transfer of production to Dublin. As a management team we are committed to assisting our Cork staff in identifying alternative employment and to providing appropriate outplacement support, as well as advice on issues such as pensions and financial planning", O’Regan said.

The Cork plant is located at Little Island, outside Cork city. Following the closure, Britvic Ireland will continue to be a significant employer both in Cork and Munster with up to 200 employees. Key operations include a Regional Distribution Centre in Cork, Sales and Merchandising and the Ballygowan water bottling facility in Newcastle West.