Glanbia Ingredients Ireland has opened a €235m hi-spec infant formula standard facility in Belview, a move that will create 1,600 direct and indirect jobs in South East.
The facility will manufacture specialized milk powder products and nutritional ingredients to meet the demands of multi-nationals in infant formula and other industries operating in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Central America.
This is expected to contribute around €400m to the economy every year.
Commenting on the facility, Ireland Minister for Agriculture, the Marine and Food Simon Coveney TD said: "The Belview project is the largest indigenous infrastructure investment by an Irish company in 80 years. As well as being a hugely positive development for the company, it is a source of tangible economic benefit and optimism for almost 5,000 Glanbia farmer suppliers and for the broader rural community.
"The Belview project has attracted international attention and has helped to cement the Ireland's position as a leading player in Global dairy markets. It is a wonderful achievement and I wish all of those involved every success in the future."
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland currently processes close to 1.8 billion liters of milk or 30% of Ireland's milk pool into a range of dairy ingredients for export to more than 50 countries.
The company's 4,800 milk suppliers intend to increase milk production by 63% by 2020.
