Work begins on new Sysco distribution centre

Ground has been broken at the new Sysco Belfast distribution facility in County Antrim.

The new facility will let the food distributor double the size of its Northern Ireland business during the next five years.

The development, being undertaken by Magherafelt-based construction company Heron Bros, forms part of a £23m investment by Sysco Ireland in its northern operation.

The construction is expected to create about 200 jobs and take approximately 18 months to complete with the distribution facility opening anticipated to occur in early 2025.

When complete it will create 90 additional jobs taking the company’s workforce in Northern Ireland to in excess of 300 people.

Mark Lee, chief executive of Sysco Ireland, said: “At Sysco Ireland we are committed to growing our business across Northern Ireland over the coming years, gaining customers and building our network of local suppliers.

“This new state-of-the-art facility at Nutts Corner represents a strategically important location allowing us excellent connectivity to serve our customers and further grow our business. The development is a key part of our business strategy in Northern Ireland, and will also ensure that we grow our business responsibly.

“Sustainability was a key consideration in our plans, with the design incorporating solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting and advanced heat pump technology, as well as providing electric vehicle chargers for both staff and fleet vehicles.”

The construction work is being undertaken by construction and property development company Heron Brothers.

Paul Mulholland, property director for Heron Bros, said: “We are delighted to have commenced work on this new distribution facility for Sysco Ireland. The development combines innovative technologies designed to enhance sustainability, within a state-of-the-art storage and distribution centre at a key gateway location.

“This project will bring around 200 construction jobs and apprenticeships to the Antrim area, alongside the long-term employment that the new distribution centre will provide.”