The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD has announced the creation of 100 new jobs by Irish food company Ribworld.
The announcement was made at the official opening of Ribworld’s new manufacturing facility at Fethard, Co Tipperary and is part of a new €8million investment programme by the company, which has been supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland. Recruitment for the new positions will get underway shortly, and this will bring employment levels at Ribworld to over 175 people over the next three years
Ribworld is part of the M&M Walshe food group, and is recognised as one of Europe’s leading sous vide specialists. This strategic investment programme will position the company to invest in a major new product development drive and expand operational capacity, all aimed at meeting increasing demand for its products and expanding its market share across Europe and other international markets.
Making the announcement the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD said: “At the heart of the Government’s jobs plan is supporting the creation of a powerful engine of Irish business alongside our successful multinational sector. Innovative Irish businesses, of the type located in towns and villages around the country, have great potential to sell more goods and ser vices into export markets, expand their operations and create jobs right across all regions. We are determined, through our Action Plan for Jobs, to support our excellent Irish food and manufacturing companies to grow and create the jobs we need.
“Today’s announcement that Ribworld is investing in a major expansion of its operations in Fethard and creating 100 jobs is a great boost for Munster and a great example of what can be achieved by Irish food and manufacturing businesses across the country. I am delighted that my Department, through Enterprise Ireland, has been able to support Ribworld’s really impressive growth and I wish them every success for the future”.
Speaking at the expansion announcement John Walshe, Managing Director, Ribworld, said: ‘We purchased Ribworld in 2011. Over the past three years we have grown the business by over 200% and launched a number of new products. It is now a truly international business, selling into such diverse markets as Finland and Thailand.
‘This new facility will allow Ribworld to continue to expand into new markets and develop a new range of products. It is a massive investment for us but we have every confidence that it will be a catalyst for a major expansion of our food group’.
Welcoming the announcement Michael Cantwell, Enterprise Ireland Manager Food Division, said: ‘The creation of 100 new jobs at Ribworld is a great boost for Tipperary. Their success underpins Ireland’s standing as a leader in the international food industry. Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with Ribworld in supporting its strategic investment and growth plans, and we look forward to continuing to support this ambitious company as they implement their exciting growth plans, sustaining and creating jobs in Ireland’.