Food company creates 65 new jobs

Finnebrogue, a food producer based in Downpatrick, is to create 65 new jobs as part of a £3 million expansion.

Finnebrogue is a specialist in premium quality artisan pork products for major retailers such as Marks and Spencer, Asda and Waitrose. The company is investing heavily in new facilities and marketing activities designed to almost double sales outside Northern Ireland during 2014. Recruitment for the new posts, which include several at managerial level, is already underway and is scheduled for completion by the end of March.
The expansion was announced by Minister Arlene Foster  at the company’s new plant in Down Business Park, where she was briefed by Denis Lynn, Finnebrogue’s Managing Director.
Denis Lynn said: “We are making what is an important strategic investment for the business in response to demand from our existing and potential customers in Britain. Over the last number of years we have seen significant increases in demand for our premium pork products. The company currently employs 115 people and this investment will see that number rise to 190.
“Our success is based on the strength of relationships which we have with retailers in a fast growing industry. Our business is growing strongly because of this commitment to anticipate and respond quickly to market trends and opportunities. Over the past three years, we’ve achieved annual growth of around 30 per cent.
“The expansion will provide the additional capacity we need to build upon our success in terms of new product development and sales outside Northern Ireland. While our main focus remains on Great Britain, we have pinpointed significant opportunities in other markets and are keen to exploit these in order to achieve even faster growth.”

Commenting on the move, Arlene Foster said: “Finnebrogue is an entrepreneurial business with a very impressive track record in its field. The company specialises in innovation and the development of premium products in response to new market trends and opportunities identified through its close relationships with leading UK retailers. The new jobs will mean an additional £1million a year for the local economy and provide opportunities for local people. Support from the Jobs Fund will enable Finnebrogue to respond quickly to new business opportunities and to grow sales faster in Great Britain and export markets.”
The Jobs Fund is providing assistance of £227,000 towards the expansion.