The Irish group Kepak, which specialises in meat processing, officially unveiled an €8 million refurbishment of its Kilbeggan site in Co Westmeath on Thursday. The financial support for this endeavour was granted by the Government via the agri-food Capital Investment Scheme, aiming to transform the plant into a key export centre for meat, while also diminishing its eco footprint, as indicated by the corporate statement.
A special event was organised in Kilbeggan to celebrate the investment announcement and was graced by the presence of Peter Burke, the Minister for Enterprise, and Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture. Addressing applauds to Kepak for the investment, Burke highlighted that the rejuvenated site marks a pivotal step in Kepak’s commendable business progression. He added that this will bolster its growth on a global scale, whilst also generating a significant local impact as the primary employer in Westmeath and Longford.
Stating that Kepak’s investment illustrates an ideal instance of the benefits the Capital Investment Scheme carries for businesses, Minister McConalogue emphasised the Government’s devotion towards nurturing the agri-food sector. The scheme offers support to firms like Kepak in elevating their sustainability standards and expanding their export avenues, as the Fianna Fáil TD noted.
Kepak’s CEO, Simon Walker, also voiced that the investment affirms the group’s dedication to its farming community and workforce, coupled with its resolve for sustainable augmentation. The corporation, which has a workforce of about 4,500 spread across the Republic and the UK, is in the midst of injecting another €28 million towards upgrading its production plants. The Kilbeggan site, which employs roughly 85 individuals, pours approximately €105 million annually into the local economy, as reported by Kepak.