ABP Food Group has announced the completion of a €50 million redevelopment of its facilities in Cahir, Co. Tipperary.

The redevelopment, which was officially launched today by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, includes an extension and upgrade of the company’s current food processing facilities as well as the introduction of a new state-of-the -art gel bone production plant at its neighbouring by-products site. The project which has been supported by the Department of Jobs through Enterprise Ireland has created 152 new jobs to date with more expected in the future.

A report by Oxford Economics and KPMG* has found that the upgraded facilities are expected to be worth over €1 billion to the economy over the next five years with the majority of this benefit impacting Tipperary and surrounding counties. ABP Cahir is now one of the biggest employers in the region employing 615 people directly and supporting a further 1334 jobs in the wider economy. ABP has had a presence in Cahir since 1973 and in that time the company has invested over €100 million in its facilities while employment has grown from 43 employees.

Making the announcement An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, said, “Today’s announcement of 152 jobs by ABP as part of their new investment in Cahir is another sign of the progress, momentum and confidence in the Agri-food industry. The ABP facilities in Cahir, Tipperary, are state-of-the -art, reflecting the significant investment made. I’m delighted that Government was able to support this investment, in a collaboration of state and private sectors, which is essential to ensure future growth and success. The Government, in partnership with industry, recently launched the Food Wise 2025 plan to grow the Agri-food industry with a target of 23,000 new jobs and €19 billion annual exports by 2025.”

Commenting at the announcement, Paul Finnerty, CEO ABP Food Group said, “This is a world class facility serving Irish Beef Europe wide. Our investment, the largest ever by an Irish beef business, helps underpin over 600 jobs and contributes to helping deliver on the vision of Food Wise 2025.

The economic benefits, particularly during construction, have been delivered during a difficult period for the local labour market, while the economic impact of everyday activity will also add significant benefit to the local and rural economy.”

“Today is also about innovating for the future with the opening of our new gel bone production plant. This is the first of its kind in Ireland and the UK and will provide added value opportunities for bovine bones in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries,” Mr Finnerty added.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD said, “Jobs are growing right across the country, and unemployment is falling in every region; however some areas are performing better than others. That is why we have put in place our regional jobs plans, to accelerate employment growth in every area. The food sector is a key part of those plans, and today’s announcement that ABP continues to grow employment in Cahir, with 152 jobs created so far and more expected in the future, is a great boost for Tipperary. The South East is growing jobs at the fastest rate of any region in the country, and with investments like this we can have confidence that this growth can continue in the coming years.”

Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly TD said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for everyone in the Tipperary area. This significant investment is very much welcome and is a strong vote of confidence in both the region and the people of Tipperary. ABP Food Group has been in Cahir for over 40 years and with over 600 people employed it has always been a big employer in the area. I would like to congratulate the company on this investment and I look forward to their continued presence and growth in both Cahir and Nenagh.”

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Tom Hayes TD said, “This is a huge investment in local Irish food with a global reach. As Minister of State it is heartening to see how the Department’s Beef and Sheep meat Investment Fund has encouraged companies to undertake a series of investments in the future of their industry. I would also like to congratulate ABP on their investment in people and in skills and their pioneering commitment to Origin Green, which brings so many benefits to rural communities.”