Monster drink factory near Laois set to double number of jobs to 100

The American manufacturer of the high caffeine drink Monster is planning to double its workforce to 100 in a factory near Laois.

TSL Projects Limited is seeking permission to demolish its existing warehouse and build a two storey one, at the American Fruits and Flavors Ireland DAC plant based at Townparks Industrial Estate in Athy, Kildare.

They say the new facility will double the company’s workforce from 48 to “around 100″.

It would run 24 hours a day, from Monday to Saturday, instead of the current shift of 7am to 4.30pm.

The expansion “is due to the ongoing commercial success of the business”.

The proposed development is for the demolition of an existing 9m high warehouse (1,770 sqm) and existing
ancillary buildings (692 sqm) and infrastructure. The construction of new two storey 14m high production building incorporating warehouse space, food process areas, loading and unloading facilities, staff offices and toilets, plant rooms,
roof mounted solar panels.

The building has a gross floor area of 7,495 sqm over two floors (Ground floor 5,657 sqm and first floor area 1,838 sqm). 

The demolition of an existing effluent treatment plant (144 sqm compound) and reconstruction of new treatment plant (952 sqm compound).
The installation of a sprinkler storage tank (113 sqm), a glycol tank (23 sqm) and construction of an associated pump
house (41 sqm).  The installation of food and ethanol silos.
Construction of a new gated exit onto local road L8068 and security hut 6 sqm.

Construction of a new ESB substation and undergrounding of existing ESB power lines. Amendments to the existing stormwater drainage system.

Provision of associated site infrastructure including electric vehicle parking spaces; cycle parking and shelter 20 sqm;
tank unloading bund; refrigeration and air conditioning plant and equipment, a raised external plant deck (317 sqm);
connections/upgrades to existing services,  hard and soft landscaping, boundary treatments, external lighting and all other associated and ancillary developments and works above and below ground level to complete the project. 

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"Current operational hours of the entire facility are 7 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. It is proposed that the hours of operation would
increase to 24 hours with the use of shifts. The facility will not be operational on Sundays or Bank holidays. This would
apply to both the existing and the above proposed extension".

A planning decision is due from Kildare County Council in February.

The planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Assessment.