Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) has confirmed plans to close two of its UK sites in Milton Keynes and Northampton, in a bid to “boost productivity” threatening 300 jobs.
The drinks brand is to close its plant in Milton Keynes, which employs 234 people, alongside its distribution centre in Northampton, resulting in the loss of 54 jobs.
A Coca-Cola European Partners spokesman said: “We want to stress that this is not a reflection on the performance or professionalism of our colleagues at these sites.
“We are committed to supporting all those impacted throughout the process of closure and beyond, by offering training and development opportunities, as well as tailored outplacement support.
The statement also assured of “redeployment opportunities” across the business and the creation of 121 additional roles in manufacturing or distribution.
“Whilst this was a difficult decision to make, we believe it is the right way forward for our business.”, the spokesperson added.
Coca-Cola said the closure would allow the company to “significantly improve productivity and create greater efficiency for our business in Great Britain, allowing us to continue to grow in this increasingly dynamic market”.
The U.S company employs around 4,000 in the UK across its sites in Sidcup, Edmonton, Wakefield, Morpeth and East Kilbride.
Alongside its namesake beverage, Coca-Cola manufacturers Diet Coke, Coca Cola Zero, Lilt, Appletiser, Schweppes, Dr Pepper and Oasis, among others.
The brand is just introduced various new flavour drinks to the U.K. These include Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Peach, Diet Coke Exotic Mango, Diet Coke Fiesty Cherry, Sprite Lemon, Lime & Cucumber.
The new flavours will also coincide a £10 million ad campaign, alongside an additional £25 million to help promote its original offerings Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke.
Coca-Cola drinks continue to be one of the most popular in the world, with more than 500 brands.
In fact, according to Interbrand’s 2017 rankings, Coca-Cola is ranked as the fourth most valuable brand.