Major upgrade of local meat plant being unveiled today

Kepak is officially unveiling an €8 million investment at its Kilbeggan facility today.

The upgrade will position the Kilbeggan plant as a central hub for exporting premium-quality Irish meat, the company said.

This investment is part of a broader €28 million investment by Kepak across Irish sites, €8m of which was supported through the Government’s Capital Investment Scheme (CIS) for the Processing and Marketing of Agricultural Products, administered by Enterprise Ireland.

The Kilbeggan investment – €2million of which was advanced by the CIS programme – focused on increasing capacity, and establishing a more efficient and sustainable process flow at the site.

Kepak Kilbeggan employs 86 people in the midlands and west of Ireland, investing an estimated €110m annually in the local economies. Kepak’s economic contribution is made up of approximately €3m in wages, €2m in additional support services and €105m in livestock purchases through the creation of jobs, use of local services providers, and support of local famers.

An event to officially mark the investment at the site is being attended today by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue,

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke said: “I wish to congratulate Kepak on its new, upgraded state-of-the-art facility at Kilbeggan, a strategic investment which was supported by the Government’s Capital Investment Scheme. The upgraded facility is a significant milestone in Kepak’s impressive business journey and will empower it to continue to grow globally, while making a local impact as a key employer. I look forward to tracking Kepak’s continued success and commend its commitment to growing sustainably.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland, Charlie McConalogue, stated: “The scheme, which is co-funded by my Department, shows the Government’s commitment to supporting the agri-food sector including through initiatives that enable companies such as Kepak to advance their sustainability credentials and grow their export markets. Increasing the value of exports and diversifying markets are key elements of our shared Agrifood 2023 strategy.”

Simon Walker, Kepak CEO, commented: “This investment in Kepak Kilbeggan reinforces our commitment to the Agri community and to sustainable growth. By enhancing our facilities, we’re ensuring market diversification, export growth, and long-term business development for Kepak.

"This upgraded site positions us as a key hub for showcasing premium-quality Irish meat on the world stage, while supporting the local economy. Sustainability is central to this investment. With significant improvements in energy efficiency, water usage, and environmental impact, we are advancing our goal of a sustainable farming future.”

Jenny Melia, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland said “Enterprise Ireland is proud to support this new facility at Kepak Kilbeggan under the 2021 Capital Investment Scheme, which aims to build the resilience of the Irish agri-food sector. On behalf of Enterprise Ireland, I would congratulate Kepak for their agility and innovation, with the aim of driving export growth and job creation and wish them every future success.”