Co. Down-based crop conservation specialist, UPU Industries, is expanding its position in the global food chain, resulting in increased output and the expansion of its local workforce.

The company, which manufactures and exports crop containment, binding and protection products for the agri-food sector, has significantly extended its global reach over the last 12 months, resulting in the recruitment of 10 new production operatives.

According to the company, several new contracts have further accelerated UPU’s growth plans, resulting in the need to supplement its production and packaging teams at its Dromore site, where the company currently employs a workforce of 55.

UPU also operates a production facility in Kansas, USA to service its customer base across the USA’s agri-heartland including states such as Illinois, Nebraska, Indiana and Iowa.

‘Spotlight on food chain’

Gary Millar, sales director of UPU Industries said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the spotlight has fallen on the food chain, and the need to sustain production levels across the agri-food sector.

By ensuring the consistency and quality of our crop conservation ranges, UPU is playing its part in this critically important process. This is further reflected in our manufacturing site where we now need to expand our team.

“In the current uncertain climate, when skilled people in sectors such as hospitality are facing business uncertainty and job losses, UPU presents a great opportunity to join an innovative, forward-thinking company which has ambitious growth plans,” he added.

UPU Industries – a family business – is an independent manufacturer of a range of high performance bale netting and pallet wrap for agricultural and industrial application.