Wednesday, 03.03.2010
Aussie food firm brings 70 jobs to Dundalk

A leading Australian food firm is to create 70 jobs at a new manufacturing plant, it was revealed today.<br /><br />Healthcare company Probiotec is to set up its European headquarters in Dundalk, Co Louth where it will produce a range of weight management and other food products.<br /><br />Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said the investment reaffirmed Ireland's reputation for excellence in the food sector.<br /><br />"This investment, and the creation of 70 new jobs, is significant not just for Probiotec but for Dundalk and the border region," she said.<br /><br />The investment is expected to generate sales of more than €30m over the next three years.<br /><br />The Dundalk plant will produce a range of dietary and meal replacement products, branded as Celebrity Slim, for the European market.<br /><br />The food sector in Ireland employs about 46,000 people and adds €8bn to the economy.<br /><br />The Tánaiste added: "This project will also add significant value to locally sourced raw materials, particularly dairy ingredients.<br /><br />"It also says a lot about the very high regard for the Irish food sector across the globe."<br /><br />Wayne Stringer, Probiotec chief executive, said: "Our decision to locate Probiotec in Dundalk was based on Ireland's unrivalled reputation as a world leading centre for food ingredients excellence, the availability of excellent raw materials and top class infrastructure.<br /><br />"We plan to move fast, start recruitment in early 2010, and be shipping from Dundalk by mid-2010.<br /><br />"This is a very exciting and challenging time for our company, and we are delighted to have Enterprise Ireland's support."<br /><br />Probiotec was set up in Australia in 1997, making and marketing prescription and over the counter pharmaceuticals, complementary medicines, weight management products and speciality ingredients. It employs 350 people.