FOODSERVICE provider Sysco Ireland has been granted planning approval for a major new distribution facility at Nutts Corner in Co Antrim.
The company said the development, which is located next to Lidl’s distribution centre, will result in the creation of around 90 jobs, taking its northern workforce to 230.
It forms part of a £23 million investment plan by Sysco in Northern Ireland.
The logistics company said the 250,000 sq ft Nutts Corner hub will be “critical” in achieving its goal of doubling the size of its operation in the north over the next five years.
Part of north America's leading foodservice distributor Sysco Corporation, the Irish operation stocks around 10,000 food products, around 70 per cent of which is sourced across the island of Ireland.
Its business model is based on guaranteed next day delivery.
Welcoming the decision by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s planning committee, Sysco Ireland’s chief executive, Mark Lee, said: “This infrastructure is critical to the company’s growth in Northern Ireland and we are delighted that we can now proceed with the development.
“Nutts Corner represents a strategically important location allowing us excellent connectivity to serve our customers and further grow our business across Northern Ireland, creating 90 new jobs in the process.
“The company’s decision to invest in this new facility has been driven by strong customer demand and we are excited about what the future holds.”
The planning application for the 20-acre site was submitted by Heron Bros.
Paul Mulholland, development director at the Draperstown-based construction group, said: “The development combines innovative technologies designed to enhance sustainability, within a state-of-the-art storage and distribution centre at a key gateway location.
“We look forward to development commencing, which will bring around 200 construction jobs and apprenticeships to the Antrim area, alongside the long-term employment that the new distribution centre will provide.”
Nick Salt, from planning consultants Turley: “We are delighted to have secured permission in just 17 weeks on behalf of Heron Brother’s for Sysco Ireland’s new facility. It illustrates what can be achieved through close co-operation between the planning authority, applicant and design team.
“As the planning agent we are grateful for the support of the application from the planning committee, local elected representatives, planning officers and the leadership team of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.”
