Some 1,600 jobs will be created by Glanbia's new hi-spec facility, contributing an estimated €400m annually to the economy.

The Belview plant is the first greenfield primary dairy processing plant to be launched in Ireland in more than 40 years. With support from Enterprise Ireland, Glanbia invested €235m into the site, representing the largest infrastructure investment made by an Irish company in 80 years.

Speaking at the launch of the plant, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said it was an important day for the dairy sector.

"2015 will be the year of rural recovery because of developments like the one being announced today. This is a very significant day for the country's dairy sector and for the South East region," he said.

"This Glanbia facility will allow Ireland to maximise the job potential from increased production following the end of EU milk quotas. It will also provide a boost to the rural economy with the creation of 1,600 direct and indirect jobs and the knock-on benefits for local businesses and communities," the Taoiseach added.

By 2020, Glanbia’s 4,800 milk suppliers will increase milk production by 63%. Glanbia currently processes 1.8bn litres of milk, or 30% of Ireland’s milk, and export to more than 50 countries.

The facility will allow for the manufacture of specialised milk powder products and nutritional ingredients, after a €35m upgrade in the middle of the project.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan will also present at the launch. He said the removal of quotas will allow the Irish dairy sector to reach its potential on a global scale.

"Since the Glanbia Group started to scope out this project four years ago New Zealand has grown its milk pool by almost 3.5bn litres – the equivalent of 65% of Ireland's entire output," he said. "In the past four years the changes have been dramatic and Europe has had to stand on the side lines while world trade in dairy has grown from 53bn litres to 65bn litres.

"In 23 days’ time Ireland and Europe will be able to enter the fray. After more than 30 years of quota restrictions, our dairying potential is ready to be realised. We have the assets which will enable us to seize the upcoming opportunities on the global marketplace," said the Commissioner.

Glanbia Belview opens for business