LacPatrick has unveiled a new dairy technology centre in Artigarvan, following a £30m investment supported by Danske Bank.

The new 30,000 sq ft centre will double the site’s capacity, making the firm one of the biggest producers of dairy products in the UK. It also represents one of the single biggest investments in the Northern Ireland dairy industry in recent years.

“The new dairy technology centre at Artigarvan will provide security of capacity for local dairy farmers producing milk to the highest standards," said Gabriel D’Arcy, chief executive of LacPatrick. "We are now able to produce two new lines of milk powder for international markets, with the dairy technology centre able to process milk all year round."

Expanding into Asia and the Middle East

As an exporter out of the UK, LacPatrick will be closely monitoring the trading agreements being negotiated by the UK.

D'Arcy added: “We will be focused on driving product development, building relationships with processors seeking access to our technology, and expanding our customer base in Asia and the Middle East.”

LacPatrick was formed in 2015 after a merger between Town of Monaghan Co-Operative and Ballyrashane Co-Operative. It employs over 300 staff, with the Artigarvan site currently employing 70 staff. The investment will create over 20 new jobs at the site in the areas of operations, quality, environmental and health and safety.

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