It was announced yesterday that ABP Food Group has completed a €50 million redevelopment of its facilities in Cahir, Co. Tipperary. 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.

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.
 
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.
 
Taoiseach Enda Kenny 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."
 
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Tom Hayes added, "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."

Source: www.businessworld.ie