Global drinks giant Diageo were given the go ahead to proceed with plans for a £26M extension to their Baileys County Antrim-based facility by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee.
To help facilitate the evolving needs of the company’s global operations and the demand for the Irish Cream Liqueur, the proposed extension to Diageo Baileys Mallusk will expand the current site footprint by an additional 7,477m².
The new single storey extension will include additional warehouse capacity, staff facilities, solar PV and associated external plant equipment, an increase in staff car parking, EV charging points, trailer bays, improved site access, external lighting columns and associated landscaping.
Representing a capital investment of £26M to the Borough the economic benefits of the project will also include, 100 construction jobs and around 35 posts upon completion.
A Pre-Application Report said that the Diageo Baileys Global Supply facility opened in 2003 following a £40m investment to produce Baileys cream liqueur. It is one of two production sites internationally.
It states that the Baileys beverage manufactured in the County Antrim facility is sold in more than 150 markets worldwide with more than 60 million bottles exported annually.
Speaking on this major investment the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Mark Cooper said:
“This £26M investment by Diageo further bolsters the Borough’s reputation as a prime location for business. Diageo have been successfully operating at Mallusk for over 20 years and this additional investment indicates their commitment to the growth and development of manufacturing skills in the area. I wish them every success for the future.”
Chair of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Robert Foster added:
“I welcome this significant investment by world leading drinks supplier Diageo. Mallusk is a thriving hub for the local manufacturing sector and these additional job opportunities will have a positive impact on the local community and improve economic stability in the area."
Diageo have indicated that Baileys Mallusk will be net zero carbon by 2030 which demonstrates the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and its role in addressing the global climate crisis.