The opening of a near £100m Coca-Cola manufacturing plant in Co Antrim will yield long-term economic benefits for Northern Ireland, political leaders have claimed.
First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the Lisburn plant safeguarded hundreds of jobs after a lengthy negotiation to secure the business.
But Mr McGuinness denied the announcement was a blow to Coca-Cola employees in the Republic.
Mr Robinson said: "In choosing to locate this £93m facility in Northern Ireland, Coca-Cola is making clear its long-term commitment to this region.
"Invest Northern Ireland negotiated for two years to secure this multi-million pound project which has safeguarded almost 400 jobs.
"This site will now demonstrate internationally the strength of the local food and drink sector and our world-class manufacturing capabilities."
Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland is part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, the world's largest producer of Coca-Cola branded beverages with a presence in 28 countries, employing 45,000 people and serving 560 million consumers.
In 2005, Invest Northern Ireland announced that it had secured the project with an offer of support totalling £6.75m.
Mr McGuinness said: "As Coca-Cola's all-Ireland manufacturing and bottling plant, this state of the art facility now employs in the region of 600 people in a key industry sector, across a range of skilled roles.
"With the relocation of key operations now complete, all Coca-Cola products sold in Ireland will be made here in Lisburn, a fact which can only continue to deliver long-term economic benefits."
Asked if the jobs boost for Lisburn hit employees in the south, Mr McGuinness said: "Obviously large multi-national companies make their own economic decisions and particularly now at a time of particular economic hardship we have seen a decision taken to centralise all of their Ireland operations here in Co Antrim, in Lisburn.
"I think that's obviously a very positive development from our point of view in terms of developing the economy and providing much needed employment.
"This is a facility which is going to support the employment of people in this area which is very, very important.
"Obviously the facility is one that is going to make a contribution to life on the island.
Doros Constantiou, chief executive of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, said: "The Knockmore Hill facility combines technical innovation, efficiency and environmental sensitivity in a modern comfortable workplace. Its location was chosen because of the established production and operations capabilities in the area, a solid infrastructure and the strong support received from Invest Northern Ireland."
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the plant offered long-term economic benefits.
"This facility will deliver a wide range of benefits for the local economy, including sustained employment, adding value to the drinks manufacturing sector and investment in green energy and tourism," she said.
"Coca-Cola has embraced a green energy ethos and installed a combined heat and power plant on site. Their visitor centre, due to open later this year, will also bring benefits to tourism and the educational sector."
Coca-Cola Hellenic is the largest soft drinks manufacturer in the island of Ireland with an estimated 55% market share. The new facility manufactures all Coca-Cola products for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
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