Sep 9 2010 --- Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company operations in Ireland officially opened a new energy efficient bottling plant, computerised warehouse, and community-focused visitors centre at Knockmore Hill, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The €130 million facility employs 600 people and has the capacity to produce a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages for delivery throughout the entire island of Ireland. The opening ceremony was performed by First Minister, Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.

A key component of the new bottling plant is a combined heat and power (CHP) system* which has been constructed in partnership with ContourGlobal, a leading international company specialising in the development of efficient energy installations.

Doros Constantinou, CEO of Coca-Cola Hellenic, said, “The CHP plant at Knockmore Hill extends our Group’s commitment to combating climate change. It will cut CO2 emissions at the plant by up to 66% while supplying excess clean electricity to the local power grid.

“This CHP plant is the fourth to be officially opened across our 28 countries and another 11 are under development by ContourGlobal. Our aim is to cut CO2 emissions by an average of 20% across all 80 of our bottling plants.”

The facility operates seven filling lines: four for PET bottles, one for glass, one for cans, and one for post-mix. There is a PET moulding unit with six blow moulders capable of handling 750,000 bottles per day.

In addition, the complex features a fully automated warehouse which not only provides efficient storage and retrieval, but also gives better protection to containers and pallets, improves handling times and ultimately is designed to deliver a perfect pallet to customers, and a high quality beverage into the hands of the end consumer.

Northern Ireland First Minister Mr. Peter Robinson said, “Coca-Cola Hellenic is making clear its long-term commitment to this region safeguarding almost 400 jobs. This site will now demonstrate internationally the strength of the local food and drink sector and our world class manufacturing capabilities.”