GAOTH Dobhair is celebrating the announcement of 35 new jobs today as Largo Foods confirmed a multi-million euro investment.
The company which makes a range of snacks including Tayto, King and Hunky Dory’s crisps, is to invest a further €2.6m in its plant.
It will take the workforce from 190 to 225.
Minister of State Dinny McGinley mad the announcement this afternoon at the official opening of a new production line at the plant.
More than 120 jobs were lost in the company in 2009 but today Mr McGinley commended Largo for its decision to rationalise the business, cut costs and refocus.
It was not an easy decision, he said, but ‘we see the fruits of that labour here today’.
Approximately 70% of snacks produced by Largo Foods in Donegal are exported, mainly to the UK.
The new snack-food line, which was specially constructed and shipped in from Casa Herrera in California is now fully operational and supplying the Irish and UK markets with a wholegrain chip snack-food.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State Dinny McGinley TD said
“This new investment is on top of an earlier â≠¬2.2m investment made in the business in 2010. I commend Largo Foods in their business approach. The decision taken by the group two years ago to rationalise the business, cut costs and refocus was not an easy one but we see the fruits of that labour here today.
“The addition of more manufacturing lines, the increase in capacity, and the expansion of the product mix will allow for better efficiencies, increased sales and will help to secure current employment in Gaoth Dobhair.
“I especially commend Ray Coyle, CEO of Largo Foods. There is no doubt that without his personal commitment to the manufacturing facility in Gaoth Dobhair the future of Largo Foods here would definitely be more challenging.”
Ray Coyle, CEO of Largo Foods said “Approximately 70% of what Largo Foods makes in Donegal is exported, principally to the UK. Our strategy is to continue to invest in R&D and high value products to allow us to increase efficiencies, sustain and grow the business in Gaoth Dobhair. I am confident that we can do this with the continued support and co-operation of the workforce, Udaras na Gaeltachta and our customers.”
John Lowery, Acting CEO of Udaras na Gaeltachta who supported the project said:
“This additional investment announced by Largo Foods is encouraging in such a challenging economic environment and is a vote of confidence by the company in the Gaoth Dobhair area and its workforce.”
You can read how we broke the story last week here:
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