Meat processor ABP has confirmed it has reached an agreement to purchase a lamb abattoir in Wales from Pilgrim's Europe.

The facility located in Llanidloes will become part of ABP’s UK meat division.

The company also operates lamb abattoirs at Yetminster and Kingswinford in England, Lurgan and Dungannon in Northern Ireland and at Bridge of Allan in Scotland.

As part of the deal, which is expected to complete in December, the existing 140 employees in the Pilgrim’s Europe Llanidloes team will transfer to ABP UK.

"ABP looks forward to working with the team in Pilgrim’s Europe to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for farmer suppliers at Llandiloes and we welcome the existing Llandiloes based workforce to ABP UK," a statement from ABP outlined.

With over 70 years’ experience, ABP supplies fresh and frozen meat products to retailers, and food service providers from processing sites across Ireland, the UK and affiliate sites in Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and Poland.

ABP

ABP recently announced an initiative aiming to support young farmers across its Northern Irish supply base.

The ABP Future Farmers Programme has been developed and delivered in partnership with Certified Irish Angus and is aimed at ABP suppliers under the age of 40.

It provided insights into ABP’s operations as well as market requirements, integrated supply, farm business planning, and sustainability.

During September and October, 20 farmers took part in the programme.