Classic Mineral Water, based in Lurgan, has invested £3.4 million to develop a third bottling line. This will allow the production of isotonic beverages for the private label market for the first time on the island of Ireland. The company is one of only two firms in Northern Ireland and four on the island of Ireland to hold Mineral Water status. The investment will create 16 jobs bringing the total employment figure to 76, with 10 of the new jobs already in place.
The move follows significant investments in recent years, which have seen Classic Mineral Water increase capacity and efficiency and reduce production costs. Liam Duffy, CEO and owner of Classic Mineral Water, said, “Through investment in innovative technology and skills we have transformed our facility into a high-speed, state-of-the-art, soft drink processing facility, achieving a six-fold increase in sales to £12 million in just a few years.”
The investment includes the installation of a new pasteurisation system, supporting the company’s next growth phase. This will enable it to respond to market demand for high-value isotonic products, pushing overall sales up significantly and vastly increase productivity, reaching over £20 million by 2024.
Invest Northern Ireland has supported the investment through a capital grant. This marks the latest milestone in a relationship that has seen it provide a range of financial and non-financial support, including strategic advice and guidance, access to leadership programmes, consultancy support, and assistance with resource efficiency, job creation and management information systems.
John Hood, Director of Food & Drink at Invest NI, said, “This investment has enabled Classic Mineral Water to manufacture a high value-added product, increase output and productivity, and position them firmly to increase sales into Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, potentially resulting in a 70 per cent increase in turnover.”
Classic Mineral Water, the oldest water bottling company on the island of Ireland, is an approved supplier of ALDI, Lidl, Dunnes Stores, Musgraves, Bestways and Tesco. It recently announced a new £3.8 million deal with ALDI Ireland.
