Over 400 people turned out to witness the official launch of a new feed pellet plant, which is run by Quinns of Baltinglass in Co. Wicklow.

The opening of the new plant – which took place last Friday, October 20 – marks another milestone in the history of the Wicklow business, which was first established in 1936.

It is expected that the facility will produce “high-quality pellets for the dairy, beef, sheep and equine market”. Among the keynote speakers at the event was the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle.

Representing a “significant investment” for the agri-business, this latest development has reportedly been several years in the making. The company pointed out that the facility in Baltinglass is the only feed pelleting plant in the region covering counties Wicklow, Carlow, Dublin and Kildare.

Over the last 21 years – since 1996 – Quinns have been manufacturing coarse rations on the same site in Baltinglass. The company claims to produce 50,000t of coarse rations annually at the site.

This latest investment will now allow Quinns to produce pellets and it is hoped that this will increase overall tonnage in the years ahead.

As a grain merchant, Quinns reportedly processes over 180,000t of grain annually. Furthermore, it explained that it takes “great pride in including high levels of Irish grain and pulses in all of its rations”.

Quinns of Baltinglass

‘Quality over quantity’

Addressing the crowd gathered at the official launch, William Quinn of Quinns of Baltinglass highlighted the company’s aim to produce the best quality feed rations in the country – rather than producing the cheapest feed or producing the highest quantities.

It will create local jobs, expand our customer base and most importantly achieve our mutual goal – namely to maximise efficient production and profit.

“Quinns is blessed with the support, loyalty and partnership of our customers. What started as a local west Wicklow family business has grown gradually and steadily over the years to encompass all of Leinster and many counties beyond, not forgetting our many customers throughout the west of Ireland.

Quinns of Baltinglass

William Quinn of Quinns of Baltinglass

“This growth has been made possible by our customers and we are very grateful for your ongoing business,” he said.

It was also revealed that Quinns’ annual agri sales days will take place at all of its branches over two days on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4.

Meanwhile, Valerie Hobson – feed nutritionist at Quinns – also told those in attendance that the company has a team of 13 agri-technical advisors on the road with approximately 290 years of experience between them.

Quinns of Baltinglass

Valerie Hobson, feed nutritionist at Quinns

“This kind of staff retention and loyalty is something which we in Quinns are very proud of and surely is unique in the country. This kind of stability and experience helps us to deliver consistent quality advice to our customers,” she added.