Planning approval has been granted for a major new storage and distribution centre at Nutts Corner for the Hannon Group.
The Muckamore-based transport and logistics company is planning to invest £23 million in the project, which could create in the region of 400 permanent jobs.
The Co Antrim company said it will use the facility as the base for its new business - Hannon Pharma Link (HPL).
The plans approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council include a 126,000 sq ft temperature controlled warehouse for the storage of pharma based products, medtech and medicine-related products.
In a statement, the council said: “The facility will include quality control, inventory management, and order processing, ensuring full traceability and regulatory compliance.
“It will primarily store pharmaceutical products from Northern Ireland, supplemented by international products for the all-island market.”
The Nutts Corner Road site will also become the new home for Hannon Steel, which has outgrown its existing premises in Muckamore.
The Hannon Group, which also has bases in Rotterdam, Dublin and Paris, specialise in the time-sensitive and fully traceable delivery of fresh produce across Ireland, the UK and Europe.
The company said the Nutts Corner development is part of “an ambitious growth strategy” and comes as “a result of strong international demand”.
The site of the proposed development is a former World War II era RAF airbase on Nutts Corner Road.
The Hannon Group is also seeking to develop a new research and development (R&D) facility to “explore viable environmentally friendly solutions for international road haulage”.
The group said this will include the integration of pure electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into its conventional diesel-powered HGV fleet.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly has welcomed the planning approval.
“This substantial investment by the Hannon Group is a significant boost to our local economy. The project will create numerous job opportunities and drive economic growth in our borough.”
Planning committee chair, Cllr Jeannie Archibald-Brown added: “The approval of this project demonstrates our commitment to economic development and support for local businesses.
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“The Hannon Group’s investment will create jobs and enhance our region’s infrastructure, providing long-term benefits for the borough.”
