The investment – supported by Enterprise Ireland – will increase the site’s production capacity by 25%, along with the creation of additional automated multi-packaging and pouch filling lines.
Jobs to be created at the site include new roles in engineering, operations, supply chain and quality assurance. This is in addition to the employment if about 100 people during the construction of the site, which is now underway.
Commenting on the investment, C&D Foods managing director Colm Dore said: “This is an exciting and significant step forward for our business.
Pet food trends
“We are seeing a trend across Europe where consumers are favouring pouched pet food for smaller companion animals and we are in prime position to continue to capitalise on the growing demand for these types of products.”
“This investment will enable the company to maintain its position at the forefront of the pet food market while also leading to the creation of new high skilled jobs and positive economic development in our local community.”
C&D Foods is one of the largest own-label pet food manufacturers in Europe with production facilities in 11 locations across the continent. C&D Foods employs 500 staff in Ireland and a further 1,400 across Europe.
Leo Clancy, chief executive of Enterprise Ireland, added: “We have worked closely with C&D foods to support them with their sustainability strategy, reducing carbon by investing in carbon abatement technologies and driving productivity through investing in digitalisation technologies.
Investment in Irish food
“This large investment into the new showcase plant in Edgeworthstown reflects highly on the entire Irish food sector – pooling together innovation with best-in-class facilities to drive sustainable practices.
“We look forward to working closely with C&D Foods to optimise their full international growth potential, creating and sustaining jobs here in Longford.”
This latest investment comes two years after the manufacturer announced a €60m (£51.9m) contract with pet food pouch supplier ProAmpac in Gweedore. Both parties are currently working on the development of more sustainable pet food pouch packaging including recyclable options.
Meanwhile, Food Manufacture rounds up some of the most significant food and drink factory expansion announcements from throughout 2023.
