Largo investment to create 35 jobs

AN investment of €2.6 million by Largo Foods in its Co Donegal-based snack-food facility will create 35 jobs.

The manufacturer and distributor of snack-foods in Ireland, is to make the investment of €2.6m in its manufacturing facility at the Údarás na Gaeltachta Business Park, Gweedore, Co Donegal.

Largo Foods employs over 190 people, 123 of which are full-time, at its Gweedore manufacturing facility. This latest investment is expected to add another 35 people to the workforce.

The facility which manufactures the company’s snack-based products including the Tayto Velvet Crunch range, is achieving €12m per annum in retail sales. Additional brands for the company include Tayto, King, Hunky Dorys, Perri and Sam Spudz while also producing a range of crisps, snacks, peanuts and popcorn for the Irish, British and Continental European markets.

The €2.6m investment comes as the company’s new rice and tortilla-based snack-food line is now supplying the Irish and British markets.

The manufacturing line which produces a wholegrain chip snack-food was specially constructed and shipped in from Casa Herrera in California.

Largo Foods chief executive Ray Coyle said approximately 70% of what the company makes in Donegal is exported, primarily to the British market.

“Our strategy is to continue to invest in R&D and high value products to allow us to increase efficiencies, sustain and grow the business in Gaoth Dobhair. I am confident that we can do this with the continued support and co-operation of the workforce, Údarás na Gaeltachta and our customers,” said Mr Coyle.

Acting chief executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, John Lowery, said the additional investment is encouraging for employees and the community of Gweedore.

“This additional investment announced by Largo Foods is encouraging in such a challenging economic environment and is a vote of confidence by the company in the Gaoth Dobhair area and its workforce,” he said.