Economy Minister Dr has announced a major
£24.5 million investment by Ballyrashane-based Lakeland Dairies.
The investment will strengthen the company's manufacturing base
and support future growth in key export markets. It will
focus on expanding production capacity at the Ballyrashane site
through significant upgrades to liquid milk packing and butter
production facilities, alongside further sustainability-focused
improvements across the operation.
Following a visit to the company's premises near Coleraine,
Minister Archibald said: “Lakeland Dairies has been an important
part of our food and drink industry in the north for many years.
This significant investment demonstrates the company's ongoing
commitment to its business in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
“It supports the continued development of the agri-food sector,
strengthens export capability and includes important investment
in sustainability. It will also help improve productivity within
the business and contribute to better regional balance by
supporting growth and opportunity in this area, all of which
align strongly with my economic priorities.”
Speaking on behalf of the company, Kelly, CEO of Lakeland Dairies,
said: “This significant investment in our Ballyrashane site
reflects our commitment to the future and our ambition to grow in
both domestic and international markets. The programme will
expand capacity in liquid milk packing and butter production, and
will support new product development, allowing us to meet growing
demand in export markets. The project will also deliver wider
environmental benefits, further enhancing the site's energy
sustainability performance.”
Invest NI has offered LacPatrick Dairies, part of Lakeland
Dairies, £2.5m towards the investment through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative
(AFII).
Kieran Donoghue, Invest NI CEO said: “We've been working with the
company for over a decade, and we are very pleased to support the
company to undertake this investment. The AFII scheme has enabled
several businesses like this to deliver major efficiency
projects, boosting output and driving cutting-edge innovation
across the region. This project stands out for its innovation and
productivity, opening up global growth opportunities for the
company by developing new high-value products.”
Notes to editors:
- LacPatrick Dairies is part of the Lakeland Dairies
Co-Operative, the largest dairy processing co-operative on the
island of Ireland, operating on a cross-border basis across 17
counties. The Ballyrashane site produces butter for supermarket
brands and specialist butter for bakery manufacturers across
Europe.
