Drinks group C&C is to invest €200m in its cider making facility in Clonmel, in an attempt to double capacity within 18 months.
C&C says the expansion plan has been prompted by the rapid growth of C&C's Magners cider brand in the UK. Brendan McGuinness, managing director of C&C's cider division, told RTE radio the move would increase employment levels at the plant by 150 to 750 when complete.
He described it as the group's largest capital investment programme, adding that it was designed to resolve C&C's current supply difficulties and provide enough spare capacity in future.
C&C said the investment would reduce earnings growth by 30-40% over the next two financial years, but would not affect dividends.
Shares in C&C closed up 10 cent at €10.55 in Dublin.
