Lurgan-based Classic Mineral Water has announced a £3.4 million expansion, creating 16 jobs.
The Co Armagh company is developing a third bottling line to enable the production of isotonic beverages for the private label market for the first time on the island of Ireland.
Classic Mineral manufactures a range of drink products, supplying the likes of Lidl, Dunnes, Tesco, Aldi, Musgraves and Bestways.
It’s one of only two firms in the north and four on the island to hold mineral water status.
The move, which has been backed by a grant from Invest NI, follows significant investments in recent years, which have seen the company increase capacity and efficiency and reduce production costs.
Owner and chief executive Liam Duffy said the company had recorded a six-fold increase in sales to £12m in the past few years.
“This latest investment, which includes the installation of a new pasteurisation system, supports our next growth phase, enabling us to respond to market demand for high-value isotonic products.
“We are confident that this will push our overall sales up significantly, reaching over £20m by 2024, and vastly increase our productivity.”
Invest NI’s food and drink director, John Hood, said: “This investment has enabled Classic Mineral Water to manufacture a high value-added product and to increase output and productivity.
“It positions it strongly to increase sales into Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, potentially resulting in a 70 per cent increase in turnover.
“Through a range of support, Invest NI has helped the company to develop the infrastructure, expertise and support systems that are essential to enable it to realise its vision of becoming a major player in export markets.”
