Coca-Cola HBC’s Game-Changing High-Tech Warehouse in Lisburn: The Untold Strategy Set to Disrupt the Beverage Industry!

Coca-Cola HBC’s Game-Changing High-Tech Warehouse in Lisburn: The Untold Strategy Set to Disrupt the Beverage Industry!

Ever wonder what it takes to keep one of the biggest beverage hubs in Ireland bubbling smoothly? Well, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland just dropped a game-changer at their Knockmore Hill facility — a spanking new finished-goods warehouse that’s not just big on space but smart beyond belief. Imagine handling a whoppin’ 9,000 pallets with a slick semi-automated Pallet Shuttle system that zips pallets in and out like clockwork. No more scrambling or inventory chaos; it’s all about speed, precision, and a hefty dose of tech-savvy wizardry to keep those iconic brands—from Coca-Cola to Monster Energy—flowing into stores without missing a beat. This isn’t just about stacking boxes; it’s a full-on leap toward Industry 4.0, where automation meets ambition, and efficiency is king. So, if you’re curious about how one of Ireland’s largest beverage powerhouses is crushing distribution challenges with cutting-edge innovation, buckle up. This facility isn’t just expanding its footprint — it’s redefining the game. LEARN MORE

Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland has unveiled a new finished-goods warehouse at its Knockmore Hill production facility in Lisburn, equipped with a high-density storage system designed to streamline distribution across the island of Ireland.

The strategic bottling partner for The Coca-Cola Company has installed Mecalux’s semi-automated Pallet Shuttle system, which provides direct access to 9,000 pallets while ensuring strict inventory control.

The investment is aimed at boosting efficiency in warehousing and distribution for one of the island’s largest beverage suppliers.

Opened in 2010, the Lisburn facility operates nine production lines and continues to expand.

It manufactures and distributes a wide portfolio of drinks, from global brands such as Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, Monster Energy, Powerade, Schweppes and Sprite to locally owned names including Deep RiverRock.

“As a fast-moving consumer goods company, speed is everything. We need to manage our warehousing, inventory control and distribution processes efficiently to optimise customer service and operate cost-effectively,” says Karl Quinlivan, Logistics Route to Market Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The new warehouse makes use of Mecalux’s semi-automated Pallet Shuttle solution, which employs four motorised shuttles.

Once placed in storage channels by operators, the shuttles autonomously deposit and retrieve pallets.

Staff manage operations through Mecalux’s warehouse control system, issuing commands to the shuttles via tablet.

By maximising available space and automating pallet movements, the system is expected to enhance throughput and reduce handling times, strengthening Coca-Cola HBC’s ability to respond quickly to customer demand.

The project also reflects the company’s broader focus on digitalisation and advanced manufacturing.

“By integrating new technologies into our manufacturing and logistics processes, we’re making steady progress towards Industry 4.0, enhancing efficiency and quality at every stage,” says Quinlivan.

Coca-Cola HBC
(Left to Right): Country Plant Manager, Kieran Given, Supply Chain Director, Joanna Sneddon and General Manager, Simon Fitzpatrick. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye

Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland employs around 750 people and supplies retailers, hospitality venues and wholesalers across the island.

The investment in Lisburn underscores the facility’s central role in the company’s operations and its ongoing commitment to innovation in logistics and production.

Photo: The new finished-goods warehouse with Mecalux’s semi-automated Pallet Shuttle system in Lisburn

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