Soft drinks manufacturer Britvic is set to invest €6 million in its Ballygowan mineral water facility located in Limerick, Ireland.
This substantial investment aims to significantly enhance production capacity at the site, with an increase of over 20%, in response to the growing demand for the popular mineral water brand.
The project will also lead to the creation of 28 new manufacturing positions, and it will provide additional bottling capacity equivalent to producing 50 million fully recycled and recyclable 500-ml bottles of Ballygowan.
Kevin Donnelly, Managing Director at Britvic Ireland, expressed, “We are exceptionally proud of this latest milestone in Ballygowan’s journey as Ireland’s most cherished and leading bottled water brand. The investment’s advantages will extend to Britvic Ireland and the broader Newcastle West community.”
Simon Coveney TD, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, commended Britvic Ireland on this announcement, recognizing its contribution to supporting the growth, expansion, and sustainability of one of Ireland’s most renowned water brands, Ballygowan.
In recent years, the demand for it has seen steady growth, with sales of the brand’s products experiencing double-digit volume increases compared to pre-COVID-19 levels.
Newcastle West in Limerick is the proud home and source of the mineral water brand, where it has been produced and bottled since 1984. Currently, the facility employs 55 individuals in addition to the newly created roles.
Following a €2 million investment in the Newcastle West facility in 2021, Britvic has been utilizing 100% recycled and recyclable plastic (rPET) for Ballygowan bottles.
In addition, Britvic Ireland’s soft drinks portfolio includes renowned brands such as MiWadi, Pepsi, Club, and TK.