Coca-Cola to close Kildare plant with the loss of 82 jobs

The soft drink company says 43 of the jobs will move to Ballina, with some employees at the concentrate manufacturing site having the option to transfer. Production at the Athy site is due to wind down from September, with the full closure due by December next year. The General Manager of Athy International Concentrates, Manqoba Khumalo said: “It is with regret that we are announcing the proposedclosure of the Coca-Cola plant in Athy. The site has been in operation for 45 years, with Coca-Cola acquiring the plant in 2000. Over that time, employees have made a very valuable contribution to Coca-Cola’s international business. “If the transfer goes ahead and the Athy plant closes, in addition to a redundancy package, the Company will be providing supports including: financial advice, job search and re-training for the employees affected. We also have enjoyed an extremely positive relationship with the local community and we will continue to engage with them on community initiatives that will benefit the town for the long term.” SOURCE; https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/business/coca-cola-to-close-kildare-plant-with-the-loss-of-82-jobs-840544.html