It’s time to raise a glass to Coca-Cola to mark 50 years in Drogheda in 2025. It was back in 1972 that the idea was first put forward to create a plant in the town and that came to fruition in 1975.
The then Coca-Cola Atlantic plant manufactured soft drink concentrate and beverage bases for use by bottlers within the Coca-Cola system.
The Drogheda plant was expanded in 1978/80 and again in 1985, when increased manufacturing and warehousing capacity was added. A further £15 million development, lasting three years, was completed in 1989. In 1992, a further £27 million was invested in additional warehousing and manufacturing space as well as an office block and employee facilities.
With the closure of the manufacturing plant came the advancement of a global office and financial system at Southgate, keeping the name enshrined in the town’s industrial and commercial history.
“Let’s hope the next 50 years will see the Coca-Cola brand continue to play its part in Drogheda’s rapid expansion plans,” Drogheda and District Chamber CEO, Hubert Murphy, stated.
Coca-Cola has played a huge part within the community of Drogheda in the areas of education, sport and community welfare. The company contributed £25,000 to help equip the town's children's library and the Coca-Cola Foundation donated £100,000 to Drogheda's General Hospital.
