The producer of Monster Energy branded beverages plans to double its Irish workforce in Athee, County Kildare to 100 in a “major investment” for the business.
TSL Projects Limited has submitted to Kildare County Council a major expansion plan for its American Fruit and Flavors Ireland (AFFI) facility that will double the workforce at Townparks Industrial Estate in Athy, County Kildare from 48 to “around 100”. .
AFF Ireland, owned by NASDAQ-listed Monster Beverage Corporation, manufactures and markets Monster energy drink products in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The requirement for the expanded state-of-the-art facility “is due to the continued commercial success of the business,” according to a planning document accompanying the application.
The application aims to demolish AFFI’s existing 1,770 sqm of 9m high building and 692 sqm of ancillary building and replace it with a 14m high two-story building with a gross floor area of 7,495 sqm. increase.
The document states, “America Fruit and Flavors is one of the largest flavor manufacturers and juice processors in the United States.”
The latest accounts filed show that American Fruit and Flavors Ireland DAC recorded revenue of €140.18 million in 2021.
The company posted an after-tax loss of €65.9 million after incurring non-cash amortization on intellectual property of €115 million.
According to the report of the board of directors, the company recorded a pre-tax profit and amortization of 51.1 million euros.
Directors said they expect the company to be profitable in the future.
According to a planning document submitted to the council, the planned expansion will “improve order fulfillment to customer locations in EMEA”.
“The investment will ensure that current levels of production and employment are maintained and that they will grow sustainably well into the future,” said planning consultant Tony Bamford Planning.
“This is a major investment for AFF,” said Bamford Planning, “the purpose of this development is to create an upgraded, state-of-the-art automated production plant facility.”
The facility will operate 24 hours a day, 5.5 days a week, 286 days a year.
The planning application contains a Letter of Development Assistance from IDA Ireland.
The decision is based on an application by Kildare County Council next month.