Diageo, a prominent spirits company, is poised to advance its plans for extending its Baileys Irish cream liqueur factory after securing approval from the local council.
The proposed expansion, situated in Mallusk, entails enlarging the existing factory’s footprint by an additional 7,477 square meters. This strategic move is reportedly aligned with the evolving requirements of the company’s global operations and the growing demand for Baileys.
The extension, designed as a single-storey structure, encompasses various key components, including supplementary warehouse capacity, staff facilities, solar photovoltaic (PV) installations with associated external plant equipment, an expanded staff car park, electric vehicle charging stations, trailer bays, enhanced site access, exterior lighting columns, and landscaping.
Mallusk serves as one of only two locations worldwide where Baileys is manufactured. Approximately 97% of the factory’s output is purportedly exported to other countries.
The expansion endeavor is projected to yield not only production and operational enhancements but also contribute to the creation of approximately 100 construction jobs during the implementation phase. Following completion, an estimated 35 permanent positions are anticipated to be available.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper, expressed enthusiasm for the investment, affirming that the £26 million commitment by Diageo bolsters the borough’s standing as a prime business destination. Cooper also underlined Diageo’s enduring presence in Mallusk, spanning over two decades, and its commitment to nurturing manufacturing skills within the region.
Councillor Robert Foster, Chair of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee, echoed the sentiment, welcoming the substantial investment from the globally recognized drinks supplier Diageo. This expansion showcases Diageo’s dedication to fostering growth and manufacturing prowess in the region while strengthening the local economy.
