Northern Irish potato processor expands for export

A Northern Ireland-based potato supplier, whose clients include the likes of Sainsbury's, ASDA, Lidl and Marks & Spencer, has invested more than £1m in a second factory in a move which will create jobs.

Glens of Antrim Potatoes' £1.25 million injection has also gone towards new packaging machinery as the company looks to break into the European market.

The business was established in 1972 by the McKillop family and is one of the largest employers in the area with more than 60 staff. It is currently selling its products across Great Britain and Ireland.

Michael McKillop, director at Glens of Antrim Potatoes, says: "In 2009 we first opened a 25,000 sq ft storage and production unit in Ballymena. Since then we have experienced exceptional growth and have completed stage two of our development plans by opening a second 21,000 sq ft unit and purchasing new packaging machinery.

"We want to break into the European market and further afield. We are looking at developing different types of packaging and varieties to target different markets as well as producing microwavable products."

Part of the investment was funded by Danske Bank and a PMG grant scheme from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland.

"Danske Bank has been very supportive of our expansion plans and has been there whenever we have needed advice," added McKillop.

Glens of Antrim Potatoes is a market leader in the food industry. It is an example of a family run business which has had tremendous success locally and across Great Britain and Ireland.

The company has a strong focus on research and development and bringing new products to market.