Some 60 new jobs have been created by Dale Farm’s new cheese processing and packing facility in Co.Tyrone.
Following a £7m investment to further expand its consumer cheddar products operation, the plant at Dunmanbridge, in the county is one of the most advanced of its kind in Europe.
Upon the unveiling, Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said that completion of this new facility is the latest stage of Dale Farm’s current investment programme, enabling 60 new jobs to be created.
“Supported by Invest Northern Ireland, the new packing facility will enable the company to produce a wider range of packed consumer cheese products.
“Ultimately this investment will enhance the company’s competitiveness in global markets enabling it to compete for national and international contracts.”
The dairy industry forms an integral part of Northern Ireland’s food and drinks processing sector and continues to make an important contribution to the regional economy.
Minister Hamilton said that Dale Farm is a great example of the many award winning, export focused producers who are investing in innovative measures to support their growth and their continued contribution to Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry.
Invest Northern Ireland has provided £548,840 of support towards the jobs and new cheese packing facility.
Dale Farm Group Chief Executive David Dobbin said that this new cheese processing and packing facility will help the Group to continue to deliver strong growth in its cheddar sales in both domestic and export markets, especially in the faster growing convenience segment of the market.
“Over the last two years we have more than doubled our sales in consumer cheese products.
“Dale Farm has a first class range of products as demonstrated by our recent success at the Nantwich International Cheese show where our Dromona and Fivemiletown cheeses won a record haul of 10 gold medals.
“We now have the excellence in people, products and production facilities needed to succeed in a demanding and very competitive marketplace.”
He said that it is vital to the farmers that own the co-op can add value to their milk and this latest £7m investment by Dale Farm will help sustain the local dairy farmers and employment at this plant as well as support the continued growth in the business.
