Aldi to create more than 1,000 new jobs

No-frills supermarket chain Aldi is to create more than 1,000 jobs in a major expansion plan as its sales soar in Ireland, it was announced today.

The discount grocer said 400 people would be employed during the construction of a new distribution centre in Mitchelstown Co Cork, where 160 staff will be based on completion.

The German firm also plans to create another 490 jobs by opening dozens of new stores throughout the country after its sales jumped by almost 25% at the start of this year.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin, turning the first sod on the Mitchelstown construction site today, said it will be a huge boost for the economy in north Cork.

“I congratulate Aldi on its commitment to this country, their continued success throughout Ireland and most importantly their continued investment and job creation in Ireland in these challenging economic times,” he said.

Aldi said its sales in Ireland rose by 23% in the first three months of this year while sales last month were up by a quarter on April last year.

The 56,905 square metre distribution plant at Mitchelstown will mainly supply stores in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Clare. It is expected to open in early 2011.

Donald Mackay, managing director of Aldi Ireland, said the company had no hesitation investing in Ireland as it was confident that a stronger, more sustainable economy will emerge from the current recession.

“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,” he said.