Around 235 new jobs could be created over the next 18 months following news of a multi-million pound investment by the UK supermarket chain Tesco in its distribution facilities in Northern Ireland.Tesco has bought Wellworth's former distribution centre in Antrim, a move which is expected to create upwards of 150 jobs, in addition to construction jobs created as work begins on the site.

Another 70 jobs will result from the company's expansion at its chilled fresh food distribution depot in Belfast, along with 15 more at a recycling plant to be built nearby.However, Tesco's expansion will also involve the closure at the Belfast location of the Kingsway Pork Processing business, with the loss of 140 jobs. This will be run down gradually over the next 18 months. Tesco Ireland director Mr David Potts told Kingsway staff that the decision was the result of over-capacity in the meat industry.The Kingsway brand name has been bought by the Kerry Group, which also owns Denny's, which has a plant in Portadown. The group intends to transfer operations to its other factories.