C&D Foods, one of the largest own-label pet food manufacturers in Europe, is making a substantial investment of €48m (£41.5m) in expanding its factory in Edgeworthstown, County Longford. This investment, supported by Enterprise Ireland, will increase the site’s production capacity by 25% and create 100 new jobs.
The expansion will also involve the addition of new automated multi-packaging and pouch filling lines. The new roles to be created at the site will include positions in engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality assurance. In addition to this, approximately 100 people will be employed during the construction of the site.
Colm Dore, managing director of C&D Foods, expressed his excitement about the investment, stating: “This investment will enable the company to maintain its position at the forefront of the pet food market while also leading to the creation of new high skilled jobs and positive economic development in our local community.”
According to Dore, there is a growing trend in Europe where consumers are favoring pouched pet food for smaller companion animals. C&D Foods aims to capitalize on this trend and meet the increasing demand for these types of products.
C&D Foods has a workforce of 500 in Ireland and a further 1,400 across Europe. Leo Clancy, Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland, commended the investment into the new showcase plant in Edgeworthstown, stating: “This large investment into the new showcase plant in Edgeworthstown reflects highly on the entire Irish food sector – pooling together innovation with best-in-class facilities to drive sustainable practices.”
This investment comes as part of C&D Foods’ sustainability strategy, which includes reducing carbon emissions through investments in carbon abatement technologies and driving productivity through digitalization technologies.
The manufacturer’s €60m (£51.9m) contract with pet food pouch supplier ProAmpac in Gweedore will also contribute to the development of more sustainable pet food pouch packaging, including recyclable options.
This investment is a positive sign for the Irish food sector, and signals further growth and innovation in the industry. Meanwhile, the broader food and drink manufacturing industry is experiencing significant expansion announcements throughout 2023.