Dale Farms, a subsidiary of Irish cooperative United Dairy Farmers, has announced plans to invest GBP39m (US$59m) to boost production of consumer products and specialist ingredients across its three production sites in Northern Ireland.
The company announced the investment drive at the opening of a new cheddar cheese and whey ultra-filtration plant in Dunmanbridge, Cookstown. Dale Farms has also commenced work on an upgrade of its fresh milk and cream facility at its Pennybridge dairy.
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A spokesperson for the company confirmed that the move will see Dale Farms increasing its focus on higher margin and value-added products for the foodservice and retail sectors as well as ingredients.
“By focusing on higher value products we will enable the company to grow. Increasing sales, securing jobs and raising returns to dairy farmers,” the spokesperson said.
The move will secure the employment of its existing 400-strong workforce as well as create 60 additional jobs, the company said.
Speaking at the opening of the new cheese plant, Dale Farm’s group chief executive, David Dobbin, said the investment scheme would enhance the company’s ability to supply retail, foodservice and ingredients customers.
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By GlobalData“Overall, the investment will provide the best in class capability and economies of scale that we need to compete more effectively against major international competitors,” he added.
