Larry Goodman’s company ABP Food Group is set to create more than 400 jobs after a €20m investment at its Shrewbury plant in Shropshire, England.

The proposed multimillion pound investment includes plans to construct a new retail meat packaging operation at the existing plant and will include a dry goods store, employee facilities and administration and staff offices.

The redevelopment of its Harlescott factory follows a £30m overhaul of its site at Hordely, Ellesmere, last year, where it employs 725 people. ABP moved its operations to the Ellesmere site last year, after it closed its Blackburn manufacturing plant.

It employs a further 732 staff at Shrewsbury, making it one of Shropshire’s largest private sector employers.

There will also be a significant number of construction jobs supported during the building phase.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star, ABP director Seamus Banim referred to the potential consequences of Brexit: “The vast majority of cattle coming to ABP Shrewsbury is sourced from farms within a 50-mile radius and it is our hope that this supply of quality British cattle will not be impacted in a post Brexit non CAP era.”

Great news for local farmers

Shropshire Councillor Malcolm Price said the investment was an exciting prospect.

“In the 15 years of being a councillor I have never heard a complaint against ABP. They are a very professional and well-run company with a great reputation.”

“To date we have received many positive comments about this exciting prospect. Also the good thing about the company is all the meat that goes into the site comes from within 50 miles of Shrewsbury so it’s great news for local farmers.

“This is a major investment for Shropshire which will bring significant employment and economic investment into our county. When it is completed it will be one of the most modern and efficient packing plants in Europe. All the equipment will be brand new, state-of-the-art.”

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