Coca-Cola Ballina, formerly Ballina Beverages, has been recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as one of the world's most advanced manufacturers.
The soft drinks giant's largest concentrate facility has also been added to the WEF Global Lighthouse Network for companies using Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing to increase productivity, advance sustainability and build supply chain resilience.
The announcement follows several years of significant investment to fund an ambitious transformation programme at the Mayo facility, including investments in IT infrastructure and advanced technologies.
A training and learning programme at the site to enable employees' use of digital technologies and capabilities development, to support future growth opportunities was also part of the investment.
The Ballina plant has seen a 6.8% increase in production in three years while reducing energy use by 29%, bringing emissions back to 2011 levels.
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There have also been significant reductions achieved on costs as well as increases in productivity. The team at Ballina are now sharing its expertise and learnings with colleagues at Coca-Cola sites all around the globe.
Eraldo Sales, general manager at Coca-Cola Ballina, said: “We’re delighted to be named the first Coca-Cola facility worldwide to be accredited as a ‘Lighthouse Site’ by the World Economic Forum.
"With the investments that we have made combined with the pioneering efforts of the team in adopting new technologies, our manufacturing facility in Ballina is at the forefront of transformation, innovation and sustainability.
“We look forward to continuing to build on the proud heritage we have developed in Ballina over the past 22 years in our next phase of development.”
Francisco Betti, head of advanced manufacturing and value chains at the WEF, said: “By integrating 4IR technologies into their operations, Lighthouse companies are achieving double-digit impact on throughput, costs, and lead times.
“In this next chapter of the Fourth Industrial Revolution they are setting the pace across industries. Lighthouses are demonstrating how to scale advanced technologies across entire manufacturing networks and beyond towards suppliers and customers or new functions, such as procurement, logistics, and research and development.”
Coca-Cola Ballina was established 22 years ago. The Coca-Cola Company also has operations in Wexford and Drogheda as well as an Irish commercial business and a growing European operating unit and digital services hub in Dublin.
“Since our first investment over 70 years ago, Ireland has become a key location for Coca-Cola with sites at Ballina, Wexford and offices in Dublin and Drogheda. Throughout our journey, we have appreciated ongoing collaboration and support from the Irish government and in particular IDA Ireland," said Iain McLaughlin, vice-president of commercial product supply at Coca-Cola
“The announcement that our state-of-the-art facility at Coca-Cola Ballina has been designated by the World Economic Forum as an Advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution Lighthouse is a strong recognition of our investment in the facility, the positive impact our team is making to refresh the world and protect the planet.
"It underscores the importance of the Ballina facility in leading our production globally and marks the next stage in our exciting journey here in Ireland.”
