Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) has received planning permission to build an innovative 42,585sqm can plant in Northern Ireland.

The £150million canning factory will be built in Newtownabbey and create around 200 jobs.

The plant will serve its growing customer base in Ireland, the UK and Europe, while continuing to supply key customers Diageo and Coca Cola.

Planning permission was sought following a period of pre-application community consultation and engagement with the Council and Invest NI.

David Spratt, CEO of AMP Europe said: “We are delighted to be granted planning permission to deliver a new innovative manufacturing facility in Newtownabbey and progress closer to the creation of nearly 200 new jobs for the local employment market whilst also supporting circular economy growth.

“We appreciate the excellent support from the Council and the constructive engagement with the local community.”

Stephen Ross, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said: “This £150m announcement represents the confidence investors have in the area.

“The economic importance of this development and the benefits it will bring not just to Antrim and Newtownabbey, but to the whole of Northern Ireland, cannot be overstated.

“The Ardagh facility is part of a high-quality portfolio of manufacturing projects planned for invest NI’s Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey.

“With other major projects in the pipeline, such as the Belfast Region City Deal Queen’s University Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) and the Sensata Technology Centre, this highly desirable site is fast becoming a hub of manufacturing excellence.”