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Aurivo will double the processing capacity of its milk processing facility in Killygordon, Co Donegal, following the completion of a €6m investment.
Part of Aurivo’s €48m capital investment plan announced last year, the work in Killygordan will reduce on-site fossil fuel consumption by some 80%.
The liquid milk plant produces a variety of fresh milk products for brands such as Donegal Creameries, Connacht Gold and Organic for Us.
To increase hourly capacity by 80%, the investment has included the installation of a larger pasteuriser, separator and homogeniser and milk standardising equipment.
Efficency
A packaging device has also been installed capable of packing 1.5-litre, 1.75-litre and 2-litre biopack cartons while utilising 75% less plastic.
The new packs use no fossil-based plastic and are fully recyclable.
In thanking farmer suppliers across the midlands and northwest, Aurivo chair Pat Duffy said: “These are indeed challenging times for the Irish dairy sector and we are acutely conscious that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, with dairy products being hit the hardest, the impact of tariff barriers and bureaucracy will have a hugely negative impact on farmers.”
Duffy said the co-op was focused on making suppliers’ businesses as profitable and sustainable as possible and plans had been developed to ensure Aurivo could efficiently process and market milk supply in coming years.
Liquid milk
Aurivo CEO Aaron Forde said: “As the second-largest liquid milk processor in the country, this investment enhances and solidifies our market position.
“The increased capacity aligned with cost efficiencies and positive environmental impacts readies our Killygordon plant for long-term sustainable growth and contributes significantly to Aurivo and its consumer foods business.”
Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh unveiled the investment and said it would be a significant boost for Donegal and the northwest.
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