Aurivo will invest €48m in the business over the next five years, increasing milk processing capacity by 25% and dairy ingredients capacity by 50%. This is part of its Engage 2022 strategic growth plan.

The investment has been supported by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland.

Upgrading of its dairy ingredients facility in Ballaghaderreen is already under way. A €26m investment in the installation of a new dryer for the site will commence next month. Once completed, the facility will be able to produce over 50,000t of milk powders and 15,000t of butter annually on the site.

Retail store openings

The investment includes new Homeland retail store openings in the northwest and safety and efficiency-related matters across its Livestock Marts business. It also incorporates an expansion to Aurivo’s feed manufacturing site in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.

“All our investment decisions and developments at the co-operative are designed to ensure that Aurivo is well positioned to take advantage of all future market opportunities for our milk producers,” Pat Duffy, chair of Aurivo said.

Focus on growth

“Our focus as a business is all about growth and how we can effectively continue to be one of the strongest member-owned organisations in the country.”

Aurivo's announcement follows one made by Glanbia earlier this week, where it intends to invest in a new mozzarella factory in Portlaoise.

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