Ireland-based dairy co-operative Lakeland Dairies has announced that it will invest €36m in a milk powder processing facility, as it prepares for the abolition of European restrictions.
Last week, we reported that industry executives in both Ireland and the UK had voiced their support for the removal of Europe-wide milk quotas, introduced in 1984. Lakeland Dairies’ output is set to exceed 1bn litres by 2020, the Irish Times reported.
It is claimed that the investment in the plant, in County Cavan, will create 81 new jobs in that time and significantly increase Lakeland Dairies’ milk powder capacity.
Lakeland Dairies chairman Alo Duffy said: “When EU milk quotas are abolished this year, Lakeland Dairies’ milk producers will have the freedom to increase milk output in line with continuing and future growth in global demand for dairy products.”
Michael Hanley, Lakeland Dairies group chief executive, said: “Growth in our global dairy ingredients business is being fuelled by consumer trends and developments in food industry sectors where we have access to key markets and customers throughout the world.”
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