Work commences on Glanbia's US venture

Kilkenny headquartered food company Glanbia today announced that work has commenced on a new $190m (€148m) US venture between Glanbia, Dairy farmers of America (DFA) and Select Milk producers.

The venture is 50% owned by Glanbia, and once fully operational is expected to employ 220 staff and to generate yearly sales in the region of $350m (€273m).

The facility is expected to be finished towards the end of next year.

DFA is the largest dairy co-operative in the US with 2002 sales of $6.4bn (€4.9bn).

Select Milk producers is also a big player in the US, selling milk to the value of $400m (€312m) in 2002.