Kilkenny-based pigmeat secondary processor Callan Bacon has finalised a deal to acquire the old Dawn Fresh Food facility in Fethard, Co Tipperary.

The conclusion of the deal has meant that Callan sister company Ribworld was able to finalise a deal earlier this week. The Dawn plant shut down in August last year with the loss of about 100 jobs.

On Monday, Ribworld announced an €8m investment at the site which will see 100 jobs created in the next three years. This will bring the total number of people employed by the company to 175.

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Rumours were circulating in the pig sector last week that a deal for the Tipperary plant had been reached, but Callan Bacon managing director John Walshe was unable to confirm to the Irish Farmers Journal that a deal had been agreed.

Meanwhile, following a protest by the IFA outside of its plant in Cavan, Kepak has agreed to rescind half the price cut imposed on pig farmers last week. IFA pig committee chair Pat O’Flaherty said Kepak agreed to rescind the remainder of the cut on Friday should the market remain stable.