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Kerry Dairy Ireland, part of Kerry Group, has opened a new Cheestrings facility in Charleville, County Cork, Ireland.

Supported by Enterprise Ireland and the government’s Capital Investment Scheme for Agriculture Products, the plant boosts production capacity by 50% and creates 60 local jobs.

Since its creation nearly 30 years ago, Cheestrings has become a staple in UK and Ireland lunchboxes, with 17 Cheestrings consumed every second, according to the company.

The new Charleville facility will increase capacity and enhance processing capabilities and efficiencies.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Peter Burke, said: “This strategic investment into this world-class facility was partly financed by the government’s Capital Investment Scheme for the Agri-Food processing sector. It is also supported under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve. This support ensures Kerry Dairy Ireland has the world-leading processing capabilities needed to continue to grow the brand globally while directly supporting the local economy here in Charleville through the creation of jobs.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland, Charlie McConalogue, commented: “The government established the capital investment scheme in recognition of the challenges faced by the sector and particularly its unique exposure to the impact of Brexit. The scheme represents this government’s strong commitment to supporting investments like this Cheestrings manufacturing operation that will help underpin the agri-food sector’s sustainable development in the future."

"Investment in new market development helps to bring benefits to all those along the supply chain, particularly farmers, our primary producers, who are key contributors to our €16 billion export sector, of which our dairy exports account for over €6 billion.”

Edmond Scanlon, CEO of Kerry Group, stated: “Cheestrings has been a fantastic success story over the past 30 years and a great example of an innovative healthy snack product for everyday consumption. This new facility underpins the growth plans for Cheestrings and demonstrates our business’ commitment to the locality”.

Top image: © Strings & Things

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