FABIANI WELCOMES COCA COLA’S NEW EAST KILBRIDE PRODUCTION LINE AND ZERO WASTE PLEDGE

Linda Fabiani, SNP MSP for Central Scotland, has welcomed the opening on 3 June of a new, more efficient production line at Coca Cola’s Scottish factory in East Kilbride, as well as a commitment by the company that it will stop sending waste to landfill by the end of 2011.

The new production line, which was opened by Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, will increase the rate of production by 8,000 bottles an hour of drinks including Coca Cola, Fanta, Dr Pepper and Sprite. It follows an inward investment of £3 million by Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE).

The company also made its waste reduction pledge, which it will reach by improving its recycling facilities and working with an external waste contractor, as new SEPA figures today reveal that Scotland has exceeded its European landfill target 18 months early.

Ms Fabiani welcomed both announcements, saying:

“This investment by Coca Cola Enterprises is a real vote of confidence in the abilities of its East Kilbride workforce. It’s a great example of how the SNP government is working with employers to secure local jobs, not just during these current difficult times but also for the long term.

“Coca Cola’s zero waste pledge is a really welcome step towards achieving the Scottish Government’s ambitions for a greener, cleaner Scotland and reinforces the good news that Scotland is already exceeding its EU targets for landfill reduction.

“It is significant that this announcement comes from an East Kilbride-based company, with the area having already firmly established itself as a site of environmental innovation, playing host to several leading players in the renewables and low carbon technology industries.

“These two announcements add up to a good day for East Kilbride, securing over 4,600 jobs in the area and confirming the town’s role as an environmental trailblazer.”

The Scottish Government’s announcement of the pledge can be read at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/03105556