A Co Antrim bottled water firm will soon break ground on a new multi-million pound plant as it grows sales here and abroad, it can be revealed.
Clearer Group, which is based in Magheramorne outside Larne, is planning its new factory to ramp up production of its ranges considerably.
That will see it increasing production from 1,000 bottles an hour to 19,000 – assisting it its own growth plans but also developing sister company Soileir Packing and Distribution for contract packing for those large retail partners and suppliers.
“My co-founder Sitki Gelmen and I have already invested significant time and resource into the Clearer Group over the last two years and we believe Northern Ireland and my own hometown of Larne are the right place to further invest and we are very excited about this next step in our evolution,” Ross Lazaroo-Hood of Clearer Group, said.
“Successfully receiving the green light with planning permission for our new water bottling plant, based only a few yards from our existing one and our natural source, Magheramorne in Larne, requires a seven-figure investment to boast sustainable growth into a new innovative facility, scaling our operations for new local markets and those abroad.
“We will not be looking to invest in automation for its sake but instead forging career paths, continuing our belief in learning and development for individuals’ skills and helping them achieve their goals so they can assist in our growth together.
“Our plans are transformational, developing the new plant, technology and product ranges including those still and with bubbles is happening at a fantastic time for the group with new enquiries for Clearer products being received from new clients each day.”
He said the expansion will see new roles being created, across a range of skillsets.
“Our Clearer team colleagues are our greatest asset – they are brand ambassadors and champions of Clearer Group’s mixed-ability team principles,” he says.
Clearer Water is now the title sponsor for the Irish Cup – over the next 10 years.
The Larne-based water company has signed a long-term partnership deal with the Irish FA and the competition will be known as the Clearer Water Irish Cup.
Speaking at the time, Mr Ross Lazaroo-Hood, co-owner of Clearer Water, said: “This long-term partnership will not only increase our partnership portfolio but, more importantly, it enables us to work with an organisation that supports its communities like we do and will also connect Clearer Water to fans and their teams through this prestigious and historic football competition for the next 10 years.