Kepak’s R&D investment to grow exports

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Following three years of intensive product research and development, Kepak Cork announced a €10+ million expansion to its plant at Watergrasshill, Co. Cork. The investment is supported by Enterprise Ireland and will generate €55 million in export sales. It will also lead to the creation of 155 new jobs over the next three years.

The new product development project involved early feasibility studies, R&D, a pilot plant and ultimately the large investment commitment. As a result, Kepak is producing and marketing a range of Global Cuisine Heat & Serve products that target the fastest growing area of the food sector, prepared consumer food products.

Kepak has launched its Global Cuisine range with Asda and other large retailers in the United Kingdom and will continue to roll out new products in 2006. The pre-cooked meals are grounded in well defined, professional research at technical, consumer and trade level and respond to specific, identified needs.

Ger Brickley, Group Operations Director and leader of the Global Cuisine Heat & Serve development team, says:

“Everything stems from R&D. We put a lot of effort into new product development and keeping up-to-date with changing consumer trends. R&D is at the core of our success.”

Enterprise Ireland’s support of Kepak’s R&D project helped to ensure that the expansion could take place in Ireland. In addition to capital and research assistance, Enterprise Ireland is giving vital support to building and training the company’s growing R&D team.

Kepak Cork, which currently has turnover of €100 million and employs 300 staff, is a subsidiary of Kepak Group, one of Europe’s leading food processing companies. The United Kingdom is Kepak’s main export market and the company, along with other Irish food companies, is gaining significant market share. Valuable market opportunities continue to be available to Irish food companies that are willing to undertake the necessary research and to build their capabilities to respond quickly to consumer demands.

www.kepak.com (link opens in a new browser window)

At the announcement of the expansion at Watergrasshill were from L-R: Derek Breen, Enterprise Ireland; Mike Feeney, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland; John Horgan, Managing Director, Kepak; Mr. Micheál Martin, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Ger Brickley, Group Operations Director, Kepak.

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