€50 million investment in Cahir facility announced by ABP

ABP Food Group has unveiled the completion of a significant €50 million enhancement of its operations in Cahir, County Tipperary. This major development, inaugurated by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, encompasses both an expansion and modernization of the existing food processing facilities, alongside the launch of a pioneering gel bone production facility at its adjacent by-products location. The initiative, receiving backing from the Department of Jobs through Enterprise Ireland, has thus far generated 152 new employment opportunities, with expectations for further job creation. A study conducted by Oxford Economics and KPMG* predicts that the modernized infrastructure will contribute in excess of €1 billion to the economic landscape over a five-year span, predominantly benefiting Tipperary and its neighboring regions. Currently, ABP Cahir stands as a major employment hub in the area, with a direct workforce of 615 individuals and indirectly supporting an additional 1,334 jobs within the local economy. Since establishing its presence in Cahir in 1973, ABP has invested more than €100 million in its facilities, witnessing a growth in staff numbers from 43 to its current figure. An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, during the announcement, expressed, “The unveiling of 152 positions by ABP as part of their fresh investment in Cahir marks a positive stride, showcasing the vitality and optimism within the Agri-food sector. The ABP facilities in Cahir, Tipperary, represent a significant investment and are a testament to the state-of-the-art infrastructure. I am pleased that the Government could play a role in supporting this venture, highlighting the crucial collaboration between the state and private sectors for sustained growth and prosperity. The Government, alongside the industry, has initiated the Food Wise 2025 strategy aiming for the creation of 23,000 new jobs and achieving €19 billion in annual exports by 2025.” Paul Finnerty, CEO of ABP Food Group, remarked, “We are proud to present this world-class facility that caters to the European Irish Beef market. Our investment, the largest by any Irish beef enterprise, not only secures over 600 jobs but also aligns with the objectives of Food Wise 2025. The economic uplift, especially during the construction phase, has provided a timely boost to the local employment scene, with the ongoing operations set to further enhance the local and rural economic framework.” He further added, “This occasion also marks the innovation for the future with the inauguration of our novel gel bone production plant, a first in Ireland and the UK, offering new value-added prospects for bovine bones in the pharmaceutical and beauty sectors.” Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, noted, “Employment is on the rise across the nation, with a decline in unemployment rates in every region, though some areas are advancing more rapidly than others. This is why we have implemented our regional jobs strategies, to boost employment growth in every region. The food sector is a crucial element of these strategies, and the announcement of ABP's continued job creation in Cahir, with 152 jobs already created and more on the horizon, is a significant boost for Tipperary. With the South East experiencing the fastest job growth rate in the country, investments like these bolster our confidence in sustained regional growth.” Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly TD, expressed, “This announcement is tremendous news for the Tipperary region. This substantial investment is a strong endorsement of both the region and its people. Having been a cornerstone in Cahir for over four decades and a major employer with over 600 staff, ABP Food Group's investment is commendable. I look forward to their continued growth and presence in both Cahir and Nenagh.” Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Tom Hayes TD, stated, “This investment represents a significant commitment to the local Irish food industry with a global impact. As Minister of State, it's encouraging to see the Department’s Beef and Sheep meat Investment Fund fostering such investments in the industry's future. I extend my congratulations to ABP for their investment in human capital, skills, and their pioneering role in Origin Green, which brings numerous advantages to rural communities.”