South Kildare firm announces major expansion
Local minister said decision is a huge vote of confidence in Athy
Global malting giant Boortmalt has announced a 20,000 tonne expansion of its Athy plant.
This expansion will bring Boortmalt's overall investment in Athy to almost €100m since it took over the Minch site in 2010.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and T.D. for Kildare South Martin Heydon said the decision is a huge vote of confidence in the town and the wider malting barley sector.
Minister Heydon said: "Athy has long been recognised as the malting capital of Ireland. It has its roots in a market town with the agri-food and drink sector a central part of that. The site in Athy has been in continuous operation since 1847 under the familiar name of Minch Norton’s and now Minch Malt.
"I am delighted that the proud tradition of producing malt, a key raw ingredient for the brewing and distilling sector, continues to go from strength to strength."
The investment will include an expansion of capacity including state of the art malting equipment along with enhanced processing capabilities. Boortmalt currently operates 27 plants across nine countries in five continents. Last year it’s Athy plant ranked as its number one facility.
Minister Heydon said: "In addition to a number of direct jobs, Boortmalt's plans will significantly benefit a wide number of associated local businesses creating employment and generating economic activity in the area.
"Boortmalt as the processor of malting barley are one part of a three-legged stool. As producers of top-quality grain, farmers also stand to benefit from increased processing capacity for an added value crop.
"This investment is closely linked to Diageo, one of Boormalt's main customers, and its plans to invest €200m in a new carbon-neutral brewery in Newbridge.
"Both of these projects coming to fruition will have a very positive impact on employment and the economic development of all of South Kildare."