Jobs boost at drinks firm in Abbeyleix

Laois is a destination where investment can lead to jobs, as was proved last week when Quintessential Brands announced 20 new jobs and an investiment of €4million at First Ireland Spirits in Abbeyleix.

This investment will make them the largest employer in Abbeyleix and see the output of the plant double to approximately two million cases or 24 million bottles per year.

Just one year after Quintessential Brands’ acquisition of First Ireland Spirits, this significant investment reinforces the spirits company’s commitment to Abbeyleix, and will transform its operations in Ireland to meet its ambitious growth plans.

First Ireland Spirits was established in 1993 and currently employs around 50 people.

There is currently planning permission pending with Laois County Council to build four wine storage tanks, a cream storage tank, a skim storage tank, a water storage tank and a high fat storage tank.

The planning application also includes the provision of a new office accommodation prefab at their site in Tullyroe on the Mountrath Road in Abbeyleix.

The council are expected to make a decision on the planning application in the next week.

Quintessential Brands’ co-founder and Director, Warren Scott said the investment was part of their strategy to develop Abbeyleix as the home of Irish Cream.

“This investment is part of our ongoing strategy to develop Abbeyleix as the home of Irish Cream, boost our production capabilities, build a premium Irish brand portfolio and expand our contract manufacturing business in Ireland.

Anna-Marie Delaney, Director of Services at Laois County Council: “We are delighted to support Quintessential Brands’ investment in Abbeyleix and welcome their ambitions for the business and for the town with the creation of new jobs and opportunities for County Laois.”

First Ireland Spirits today produces and sells Irish cream liqueurs, Irish country creams and Irish whiskey liqueurs across 35 markets worldwide for some of the world’s largest retailers and drinks companies,

The portfolio of brands produced by First Ireland Spirits includes O’Mara’s, Feeney’s and The Dubliner.