Factory swap for two leading meat processors

LEADING food processors Kepak Group and Dunbia are to exchange factory premises to strengthen their respective operations in the competitive fresh meat marketplace.

Kepak Group will acquire Dunbia’s Irish abattoir in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, while Dunbia will acquire Kepak Group’s abattoir and retail packing facility at Preston in Britain.

The relative values of the two premises have not been disclosed. Both factories will continue to operate as going concerns managed by the respective new owners.

Dunbia’s state-of-the-art Kilbeggan abattoir is located in one of Ireland’s finest beef producing regions, and the acquisition will strengthen Kepak Group’s position as a leading processor of Irish beef.

Acquiring the Kepak Preston abattoir and retail packing plant will reinforce Dunbia as a leading supplier of pre-packed fresh beef, lamb and pork products to the British supermarket multiples.

Dunbia’s group managing director Jim Dobson said the exchange made sound commercial sense.

“This deal could not have come at a better time.

“It fits perfectly with our plans for the development of added-value products for the British supermarkets,” he said.

Kepak’s managing director John Horgan said it believes the deal delivers significant growth in its position. as a leading meat processor.