Coca-Cola announces 25 new jobs in €26m investment

Coca-Cola is to invest €26m in its operations in Co Mayo, creating 25 jobs.

Its Ballina facility is set to become the first production site for the company's freestyle technology (a touch screen soda fountain) outside of the United States.

The freestyle dispenser has more than 165 different Coca Cola drinks from across the company’s product range.

Over 40,000 Coca Cola freestyle machines are in operation across the US, with the Ballina investment aimed at facilitating expansion of the freestyle model across Europe.

Speaking at today's announcement Taoiseach Enda Kenny said it represents a significant vote of confidence by the company in Ireland and in Mayo.

Coca Cola CEO Muhtar Kent said: “Today’s investment further underpins our commitment with Ballina now involved in the production of our innovative Freestyle technology, facilitating its expansion into other key European markets and offering more choice to our consumers.”

The US drinks company first arrived in Northern Ireland in 1934 and in the Republic in 1952.

Coca Cola now employs over 1,700 people at facilities in Antrim, Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Mayo and Wexford.