Glanbia will officially open its new Ultra-Heat-Treated (UHT) plant in Co Monaghan this Friday.

Glanbia announced in December 2013 its plan to create a UHT facility in Co Monaghan where, at the time, it said 40 jobs would be created. It represents Glanbia’s first foray into the UHT market.

The UHT market is more popular in European and global markets, with only a very small percentage of milk sold here being sold as UHT.

Lakeland Dairies is the only other dairy processor with a foothold in the UHT market.

It is envisaged that Glanbia’s new UHT plant will produce long-life liquid milk and cream suitable for export to emerging markets such as China, Europe and the Middle East.

Monaghan falls outside of Glanbia’s traditional supplier heartland but is closer to its all-year-round milk supply pool in counties Meath and Louth.The plant will be officially opening by Ministers Heather Humphreys and Ged Nash as well as Glanbia chairman Henry Corbally and Glanbia CEO of consumer foods Colin Gordon.

Log on to www.farmersjournal.ie on Friday for an update from the opening.