Glanbia Ingredients Ireland opens milk protein plant
GII, which employs 100 people at the Virginia factory and processes milk from surrounding counties, had secured existing local jobs through the expansion, a spokeswoman for GII told FoodManufacture.co.uk.
The new plant was aimed at meeting predictions of soaring demand for milk protein for clinical and lifestyle nutrition products, GII said. It would more than double its current milk protein capacity, from 4,000t to 10,000t, it said.
The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, via Enterprise Ireland, was providing financial support for the strategy, which would allow Irish dairy farmers to expand production for the first time in 30 years, GII added.
‘Strong investment programme’
“GII has a strong investment programme of over €200M (£158.8M), which is designed to position the business for future growth,” said GII ceo Jim Bergin.
“While we are conscious of current fluctuations in commodity pricing, the long range outlook for the business and for suppliers is positive with a growing demand from customers for the high quality milk proteins we will be producing here in Virginia.
“We are proud to have been operating in Virginia since 1974 and look forward to continuing to invest in the business with this latest investment confirming our commitment to the plant and the local area.”
Heather Humphreys, minister for arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking regions), said: “Glanbia is a very important employer locally, and this significant investment illustrates the company’s commitment to the area.
“Glanbia’s innovative approach to targeting key growth markets overseas has allowed it to grow exports and establish itself as one of the major players in the Irish agri-food sector.
‘Important source of employment’
“The agri-food sector is not only a very important source of employment in Cavan and Monaghan, it is also helping to drive our jobs recovery across the country. I am delighted that Glanbia is reaffirming its commitment to the area with this latest multi-million euro investment.”
Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland minister for enterprise, trade and investment, said: “This investment will create a number of new jobs in the border area and I look forward to deepening the strong existing relationships with our friends and colleagues in Cavan.”
Humphreys and Foster were present at the official opening of the milk protein unit on December 15.
GII first launched its advanced milk protein powders under the Solmiko brand in 2008 and has claimed their success has helped it become one of the leading global suppliers of milk proteins.
