Manor Farm is to invest €25m over the next five years to expand the output of its Cavan-based facility.

It is reported that the chicken processor’s investment may create up to 600 new jobs  and boost the company’s output from 900,000 processed chickens a week to 1.5 million.

Founded in 1775, Manor Farm has about 160 contracted farmers supplying its processing plant.

In 2015, the company had a €224m turnover and employs 849 people at its Shercock, Cavan plant.

It supplies Irish chickens to retailers throughout Ireland, as well as export markets on three continents.

As over 90% of the company’s inputs are sourced locally, this represents a significant investment in the local economy and will generate employment in farming and manufacturing in Cavan and neighbouring counties,” said  Managing Director Vincent Carton.

Carrying on a 240-year family tradition, Manor Farm is owned by Vincent and Justin Carton, making it one of the oldest family companies in the country.

They are the eighth generation of Cartons to own and run the chicken company.

The majority of its farmers are in the traditional chicken farming areas of Cavan and Monaghan, though others range from Meath and Louth to Limerick and Waterford.

According to Manor Farm, its farmers adhere to stringent quality control procedures.

“This is related to all areas of the chicken farming activities. The houses must be built to the highest specifications to give adequate space, heat, light, ventilation and feeding methods.

“Chicken farming traditionally is a family business and many of our farmers are at least second generation chicken farmers.”