Cameron backs Coca-Cola investment in Yorkshire

Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne chat to Ian Johnson the Director of Operations at Coca Cola, during there visit to the Factory, at Wakefield. Picture by Simon Hulme

The Prime Minister and Chancellor George Osborne were shown round the factory as part of their day promoting the Coalition’s vision for a transformed northern economy.

Coca-Cola is investing in a new production line which will allow the company to produce 40,000 bottles an hour.

Mr Cameron said: “I’m delighted that Coca-Cola Enterprises is investing £13 million in new technology at its Wakefield site.

“This further boost to CCE’s Wakefield plant - the largest of it’s kind in Europe - shows the huge potential that Yorkshire has to attract global investment and is a big vote of confidence in our long term economic plan.”

Coca-Cola has invested £100m in its Wakefield facility in the last five years where the company employs more than 400 people.

Coca-Cola Enterprises chairman John Brock said: “These actions are a critical part of our long-term strategy to continue to grow our business sustainably and make a postive contribution to the British economy.”

Mr Osborne said the investment “shows the potential that exists to create the northern powerhouse that I’m talking about today”.