Irish convenience food manufacturer Greencore has invested $40m in its first US-based sandwich-making facility.
The 9,900m2 factory in Rhode Island will create 400 jobs for the local economy and is expected to use more than 900 tonnes of Irish cheese every year, supplied by Kilkenny-based Glanbia. The new plant will start producing sandwiches for US convenience stores, such as current client 7-11, by mid-March.
The opening falls in line with Rhode Island’s plans to develop a “food valley” by encouraging investment from fresh food packagers such as Greencore. Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo said: “We in Rhode Island have to be laser-focused on creating middle class jobs. I am going to move heaven and earth to ensure that companies like yours continue to be successful.”
It will also redress the balance between American investment in Ireland and Irish investment in the US; Greencore US’ CEO, Liam McLennon, claimed that the relationship between the two economies was now “becoming much more of a two-way street,” according to the Irish Independent.
The announcement follows Glanbia’s support of the abolition of Europe-wide milk quotas, which could lead to a significant increase in dairy production among Irish producers, as well as a €36m investment from Irish dairy co-operative Lakeland Dairies.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024