Donegal Meat Processors, owned by the Acheson family and part of the Foyle Group, has reported a sixfold increase in pre-tax profits to €1.8m for the group’s 2015 financial year.

Operating profits for Donegal increased from less than €520,000 in 2014 to more than €2.3m last year as margins widened 170 basis points to a much-improved 2.2%. Turnover for the year increased 4% to just under €108m. The company’s net debt position was reduced by more than €3m at year end to a little over €7m.

Management of Donegal described the performance in 2015 as satisfactory, despite a highly competitive beef sector. The company aims to grow its market share in Britain and European markets.

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Donegal Meat Processers, which employs more than 220 people in its abattoir and boning hall in Carrigans, Co Donegal, has returned to profit in recent years following a tough year in 2013 when it recorded losses of €340,000.

Donegal Meat Processors slaughters 50-60,000 cattle per year and was formerly owned by Larry Goodman.