The state-of-the-art plant will serve its growing customer base in Ireland, the UK and Europe, while continuing to supply key customers Diageo and Coca Cola.

The decision follows the recent approval of a £4million steel manufacturing facility for Steel Mac Distribution (SMD) Ltd.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross, said the planning approval paves the way to the borough cementing its reputation as an economic stronghold, bringing with it both investment and employment.

“This £150m announcement represents the confidence investors have in the area,” he added.

“The economic importance of this development and the benefits it will bring not just to Antrim and Newtownabbey, but to the whole of Northern Ireland, cannot be overstated.

“The Ardagh facility is part of a high-quality portfolio of manufacturing projects planned for invest NI’s Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey.

“With other major projects in the pipeline, such as the Belfast Region City Deal Queen’s University Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) and the Sensata Technology Centre, this highly desirable site is fast becoming a hub of manufacturing excellence.”

David Spratt, CEO of AMP Europe, said the relative ease of the planning process had made choosing Newtownabbey an attractive option.

“We are delighted to be granted planning permission to deliver a new innovative manufacturing facility in Newtownabbey and progress closer to the creation of nearly 200 new jobs for the local employment market whilst also supporting circular economy growth,” he said.