29 Jobs Announced For Tandragee

29 new jobs are to be created as part of expansion plans at White’s Speedicook Ltd. in Tandragee.

The company is part of the Fane Valley Group of Armagh and is Northern Ireland’s only oat miller and a producer of porridge oats and other snack and breakfast products.

Speaking during a visit to the company’s oat milling and processing operation, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "White’s Speedicook Ltd is to be commended for what is a major initiative to increase the competitiveness of its portfolio of products particularly in markets outside Northern Ireland. The expansion plans represent a £1.5m capital investment in buildings, plant and machinery over the next three years. I am pleased that Invest NI are supporting this through providing assistance of £217,500. It is important that we continue to support companies and business that are looking to develop and expand especially in rural areas. Companies such as White’s Speedicook Ltd are an important source of local employment and helping to sustain the local economy and community.

"To achieve its objective of doubling sales and profits over the next three years, the company has developed a new business growth strategy that involves process improvements, skills development and new marketing initiatives to raise its profile in its existing markets as well as the rest of Europe, US, Asia and the Middle East."

Trevor Lockhart, Fane Valley Chief Executive, said: "White’s is operating in the immensely competitive and fast moving breakfast cereal marketplace. We benefit particularly from our sustainable supply chain and close relationship with local farmers, which ensure the provenance, traceability and safety being increasingly demanded by consumers in many international markets."

(IT/CD)