Coca-Cola bottling company announces plan to close two UK centres putting 300 jobs at risk

Company will shut down two plants in Milton Keynes and Northampton next year

Coca-Cola European Partners has announced plans to close a manufacturing plant and a distribution centre in the UK, a move that could see 288 jobs lost next year. 

The company, which bottles drinks for Coca-Cola in Milton Keynes and Northampton, will shut down the two plants in 2019, under plans announced on Wednesday.

It also said it would create 121 jobs at other sites in different locations, without giving specifics.

A spokesperson from Coca-Cola European Partners said: "Today we are announcing a proposal to close our manufacturing site in Milton Keynes and a separate proposal to close our distribution centre in Northampton. 

"We know today’s news will be upsetting for our people at these sites and our immediate priority is to support them throughout the consultation process. 

"We are proud of our long-standing links with both towns and have not made these proposals lightly. However, we believe the proposed changes are necessary as they would provide significant productivity improvements and create greater efficiency across our manufacturing and distribution operations in Great Britain. 

"If these proposed changes are implemented they could result in the total loss of 288 roles and the sites would close in 2019. 

"At the same time, we are proposing to transfer production and warehousing to other GB sites. We expect to create 121 additional roles across our manufacturing and distribution networks, providing potential redeployment opportunities for impacted colleagues."