Hundreds of jobs to go as Coca-Cola pulls out of Northampton

Coca-Cola is closing its Northampton Distribution Centre and Milton Keynes production facility, with the loss of nearly 300 jobs.

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) says it will close the plants in 2019 in a move that would improve productivity and efficiency. A consultation has begun with those who work at the sites.

The firm says it will transfer production and storage to other sites in the UK and create 121 jobs.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We know today’s news will be upsetting for our people at these sites, and our immediate priority is to support them throughout the consultation process.

“We are proud of our long standing links with both towns and have not made these proposals lightly. However, we believe the proposed changes are necessary as they would provide significant productivity improvements and create greater efficiency across our manufacturing and distribution operations in Great Britain.

“If these proposed changes are implemented they could result in the total loss of 288 roles, and the sites would close in 2019.

“At the same time we are proposing to transfer production and warehousing to other GB sites. We expect to create 121 additional roles across our manufacturing and distribution networks, providing potential redeployment opportunities for impacted colleagues.”