PM "delighted" at Coca-Cola's £13m investment

David Cameron and George Osborne both welcomed the announcement of £13m investment at the facility, the largest soft drinks plant in the EU.

The money has been spend on a new production line dedicated to making the iconic contour Coca-Colabottle using PET in a range of sizes, at speeds of up to 40,000 per hour.

"I’m delighted that Coca-Cola Enterprisesis investing £13 million in new technology at its Wakefield site," Cameron said.

"This further boost shows the huge potential that Yorkshire has to attract global investment and is a big vote of confidence in our long term economic plan," Cameron said.

"By continuing to invest in infrastructure, back business and attract investment, we will secure a better future for hardworking people in Wakefield, Yorkshire, and right across Britain."

CCEis investing £52m investment in 2014 – the equivalent of £1m a week – in its operations in its British operations.

Other investment at the site this year will include the installation of a Combined Heat and Power system, which will save 1,500 tonnes of CO2 a year, a 5.6% reduction for the site. CCEhas invested a total of £227m in its operations since 2011.

John Brock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Enterprises said:

" Coca-Cola Enterprisesis a proud local business, with 97% of our products sold in Great Britain being made at our six factories here. We have invested £100m in Wakefield, our largest manufacturing facility, since the Prime Minister last visited us in 2010, boosting its manufacturing capabilities with the most innovative and efficient technologies available. These actions are a critical part of our long-term strategy to continue to grow our business sustainably and make a positive contribution to the British economy.”

George Osborne said: “This investment by Coca-Cola Enterprisesis a vote of confidence in the UK and in our long term economic plan. It is good news that the investment is bolstering the recovery here in the North of England, in Wakefield. It shows the potential that exists to create the Northern Powerhouse that I’m talking about today.”