MEP sees new Lisburn facilities

Having discussed a range of topics with the senior team at Coca-Cola, Mr Nicholson enjoyed an in-depth tour of the £93.5 million facility.

Mr Nicholson said: “Having visited Coca-Cola’s old plant at Lambeg many years ago I was delighted to be given a tour of the recently opened site at Knockmore Hill. I was impressed at the effective and efficient operation of the plant and the company’s emphasis on social responsibility and giving back to the local community.

“I fully supported Coca-Cola’s decision to situate the new bottling plant in Lisburn which secured many local jobs. I only hope more businesses view Coca-Cola as a perfect example of utilising the skilled workforce that exists here.”

Mr Nicholson then met with representatives at SERC’s Lisburn campus where, after a tour of their new student facilities, a range of topics were discussed including access to EU funding.

Mr Nicholson commented: “In these difficult economic times it is ever more important we have a skilled workforce who are trained in the jobs our industry most needs. SERC and higher education colleges around Northern Ireland are vital to ensure that this happens and I was delighted to see that such fantastic facilities have been built for the benefit of the SERC students.

“I encourage all further and higher education colleges to work together, with the local MEPs and the relevant government bodies at home and in Brussels to secure European funding for new projects.”

After these discussions Mr Nicholson was interviewed for SERC’s local radio station, Lisburn Community Radio, on what it is like to be an MEP for Northern Ireland.