Agri firm to recruit 100 graduates as part of global expansion drive

AGRI engineering and animal feed producer Richard Keenan & Co is on a drive to recruit over 100 graduates as part of its global sales expansion strategy.

Based in Borris, Co Carlow, the company has recently opened up new markets in India and Japan, adding to its already considerable global stretch. New recruits will have the opportunity to work in a selection of Keenan’s expanding overseas markets. Keenan exports around 90% of its range of mixer wagons, PACE technology and Mech-fiber nutrition to 40 countries.

Keenan also recently welcomed 110 of its overseas sales personnel and nutritionists for an intensive three-day training course in Carlow and Kilkenny. They came from 17 countries including Australia, USA, EU, New Zealand and South Africa.

Keenan group marketing manager, Rob O’Keeffe, said: “It was not all hard work as they were able to enjoy some Irish hospitality in the Springhill Court Hotel, where Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody gave an inspirational speech on team building and management.

“A unique feature of the training course was the sharing of best practice across many different markets. For example the French squad made a presentation on how a 50-cow milk producer could improve the family farm income.”

Topics covered during the three days included animal health and nutrition issues for milk and beef producers, Agri marketing, customer communications, latest scientific data on Mech-Fiber rations and PACE technology.

Other features at the Keenan workshop included a talk on getting the most out of milking robots by the Swedish team. The Danish group outlined how to improve feed efficiency from high-yielding cows.

The event also featured a talk on the use of Keenan’s Mech-Fiber products to add value to grassland.

Richard Keenan & Co is gearing up for a major expansion in 2011.

The family-owned Irish business has already opened up new markets in India and in Japan.

This drive will also involve ongoing training and up-skilling of the company’s export personnel.

Keenan’s graduate recruitment drive is being led by global sales director, Niall McGauran.

He is already mentoring a growing team, building new sales channels and exploring market segmentation opportunities.

Mr McGauran said: “Ideally, new recruits should have a third-level Agri qualification, a good understanding of ruminant nutrition and the TMR system. Trainee managers and nutritionists are mentored by a senior manager and, if successful, are allocated their own territory in an export market in due course.

“At present, Keenan employs almost 40 agricultural graduates worldwide, but we need many more for 2011 and in the coming years.”