Aldi to create 1,000 jobs in €350m expansion

ALDI is on track with its target to have more outlets in Ireland than the big supermarkets after its announcement of plans to create 1,000 jobs as part of a €350 million expansion.

This follows sales growth of 23% in the first three months of the year.

The German discounter said 490 jobs will be created at 35 new stores in Ireland.

Construction of a €100m distribution centre has begun in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, where 160 jobs will be created.

Aldi said a further 400 jobs will be created in the construction of the centre.

Aldi Ireland managing director Donald Mackay said: “We have no hesitation in continuing to invest in Ireland with full confidence that a stronger, more sustainable economy will emerge from the current recession.”

Aldi claim their products are 30% cheaper than other stores.

It also said more than 40% of its grocery sales are on products sourced from Irish suppliers.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, who was in Mitchelstown yesterday for the announcement of Aldi’s investment programme, said: “People want to see Irish products on the shelves.

“And I think ultimately the multiples will respond to that consumer requirement. I think the consumer will drive the demand for Barry’s Tea and others.

“When I was in Georgia we brought a bag of Barry’s Tea when we were patrolling the borders and they said it was the best tea they had in a long time. So the consumer will drive it and the multiples will respond to that.”

Construction of the facility will take 22 months, with plans to open in early 2011.

It has been designed by KZA Architects, which has worked with Aldi for over 20 years.

Mr Mackay said: “Our programme of investment, expansion and job creation in Ireland will see us open a further 35 stores throughout the country over the next three years.

“Commencing the construction of our new distribution centre is an important step in delivering our three-year expansion programme. We chose to locate in Mitchelstown due to its highly skilled workforce and excellent infrastructure.”

Aldi also said the number of customers visiting its stores jumped 27% during the first quarter of the year.

Last year sales at Aldi in Ireland soared by 21% as it increased its market share to almost 5%.

The retailer also said sales in Britain also climbed strongly, up 24.8% to £2.15bn (€2.3 billion) last year, as it increased its store numbers across Britain from 416 to 457.