Glanbia Consumer Foods Ireland has officially opened its new state-of-the-art UHT (Ultra-Heat-Treated) milk processing facility in Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan.
According to Glanbia, the new facility has a processing capacity for up to 100 million litres of milk per annum and it will produce a range of standard and fortified UHT milk and cream products under the Avonmore brand.
Glanbia invested €15m in this new development, with support from the Department of Jobs, allowing for the creation of 40 new jobs at Lough Egish, with 21 of these positions already filled, it says.
The new facility will produce a range of long-life liquid milk and cream products suitable for export to global markets including Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, says Glanbia.
Speaking at the opening of the new site, the Minister for Arts, Heather Humphreys said that the new plant is a welcomed boost to the economy in the North East region.
This investment by Glanbia, supported by the Department of Jobs through Enterprise Ireland, is a great boost for Monaghan and the North East region.
“The agri-food sector is a vital source of employment in the region and the creation of 40 new jobs as a result of this new facility is fantastic news for Monaghan,” she said.
Also speaking at the event the Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash said that the food industry is an excellent source of regional employment.
Ireland’s food industry offers massive potential for regional employment, which is a major focus of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and Regional Strategies.
“Companies such as Glanbia are very important to the economy in rural areas like Lough Egish.
“Glanbia’s investment will have very positive impacts for the region, not only in terms of the 40 new direct jobs, but also in the indirect benefits to the local and wider economy,” he said.
The plant offers evidence of Glanbia’s commitment to liquid milk production, according to the Chairman of Glanbia Group, Henry Corbally.
The opening of this facility is further evidence of our support for the liquid milk business in Ireland.
“This new best-in-class facility will play a key role in our strategy to further develop an international business for Irish liquid milk and cream products and will ensure that our relationship with our farmer suppliers continues to deliver significant benefits and opportunities to them.”