1,600 Jobs Created By New Glanbia Plant

1,600 jobs are expected to be created in the south east by Glanbia Ingredients Ireland, following news of a €235m investment to open a new facility in Belview, Kilkenny.

The move marks the largest indigenous infrastructure investment programme made by an Irish company in 80 years.

The plant is estimated to be worth €400m a year to the rural economy.

Formally opening the plant, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, said: "2015 will be the year of rural recovery because of developments like the one being announced today. This is a very significant day for the country's dairy sector and for the South East region.

"This Glanbia facility will allow Ireland to maximise the job potential from increased production following the end of EU milk quotas. It will also provide a boost to the rural economy with the creation of 1,600 direct and indirect jobs and the knock-on benefits for local businesses and communities. As such it is an important strategic development in the Government's work to secure the recovery."

By 2020, Glanbia's 4,800 milk suppliers expect to increase milk production by 63%. Currently Glanbia Ingredients Ireland processes 1.8bn litres of milk or 30% of Ireland's milk pool.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said: "Jobs are growing in every region of the country – although they are growing more rapidly in some regions than in others. The South East is performing strongly, with the fastest rate of jobs growth in the country, but we must do more.

"At the heart of our Action Plan for Jobs is ensuring that we accelerate jobs growth in every region of the country, and we have put in place a range of measures to deliver on that."

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said: "As well as being a hugely positive development for the company, it is a source of tangible economic benefit and optimism for almost 5,000 Glanbia farmer suppliers and for the broader rural community. This flagship investment is a real sign of confidence in the future of Ireland's dairy sector.

"The project has been made possible by a decision confirmed during Ireland's presidency of the European Union in 2013 to abolish dairy quotas, and by the vision outlined in the Food Harvest 2020 strategy. It could not have been delivered without the energy and determination of Glanbia's management and its suppliers.

"The Belview project has attracted international attention and has helped to cement the Ireland's position as a leading player in Global dairy markets. It is a wonderful achievement and I wish all of those involved every success in the future."

(IT/CD)