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12/03/2004
Chip plant saved by farmers' co-op
The sole frozen chip plant in Ireland has been saved by an investment of £2.5 million by a cross-border farmers' co-operative.
The deal will secure 26 jobs at the Ballymoney Foods factory, which processes around 30,000 tonnes of local produce for the highly competitive frozen chip market.
Owners Glenfarm had announced recently that the plant was earmarked for closure.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has welcomed the announcement. The UFU assisted with the brokering of the deal, which originated from an approach by a consortium of southern growers.
UFU Deputy President Campbell Tweed said the Union was pleased that the uncertainty surrounding the future of the plant had been resolved: “It is good news that this outlet for processing potatoes will continue to operate. The growers have made a significant investment in the future of their businesses and in the future of the potato sector on the island of Ireland. We wish them well in what is sure to be a very rigorous market place”.
The UFU has urged the retail sector to respond positively to developments at Ballymoney Foods.
Mr Tweed said: “The purchase of Ballymoney Foods by the growers gives us a locally owned company and we hope the retail sector will respond to this. The UFU will be trying as an organisation to give the company whatever assistance we can”.
(SP)
The deal will secure 26 jobs at the Ballymoney Foods factory, which processes around 30,000 tonnes of local produce for the highly competitive frozen chip market.
Owners Glenfarm had announced recently that the plant was earmarked for closure.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has welcomed the announcement. The UFU assisted with the brokering of the deal, which originated from an approach by a consortium of southern growers.
UFU Deputy President Campbell Tweed said the Union was pleased that the uncertainty surrounding the future of the plant had been resolved: “It is good news that this outlet for processing potatoes will continue to operate. The growers have made a significant investment in the future of their businesses and in the future of the potato sector on the island of Ireland. We wish them well in what is sure to be a very rigorous market place”.
The UFU has urged the retail sector to respond positively to developments at Ballymoney Foods.
Mr Tweed said: “The purchase of Ballymoney Foods by the growers gives us a locally owned company and we hope the retail sector will respond to this. The UFU will be trying as an organisation to give the company whatever assistance we can”.
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
