Aldi, the discount German supermarket, is to open a new regional distribution centre in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, which will employ 160 people. It is the chain's second distribution centre in Ireland, and is part of the group's three-year expansion programme which will see 20 new stores open around the country.

The facility will have capacity to service 100 shops and was developed as part of the company's plans to open new outlets across the country. It will primarily supply stores in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Clare, Mayo, Galway, Kilkenny and Wexford.

"It is a crucial step that will help Aldi deliver on our current store expansion programme, which involves opening another 20 new stores in Ireland, so we can bring our value-for-money groceries to even more towns and cities across the country," said Giles Hurley, managing director for Aldi's Mitchelstown region.