Danone to expand operations in Macroom adding 230 jobs

Food giant plans to develop specialised liquid drinks in Cork for cancer patients and those recovering from stroke.

Danone operates a significant baby formula production facility in Macroom, producing brands like Aptamil and Cow & Gate.

Dairy and food giant Danone is planning a major expansion of its operations at Macroom in Co Cork that will see the creation of up to 230 new jobs if approved.

The French multinational firm has lodged plans with Cork County Council to build an Advanced Medical Nutrition (AMN) facility, which is set to open in late 2028 and become fully operational by mid-2031.

The new development is to be built alongside the current facilities at Macroom. Danone operates a significant baby formula production facility for Danone's Nutricia network, producing brands like Aptamil and Cow & Gate.

However, in a shift, the company's planned new AMN will develop specialised liquid nutritional drinks for medical use, including for cancer patients, stroke recovery and frailty. It will be Ireland’s first liquid medical nutrition facility, marking a shift from powdered infant formula to higher-value healthcare products.

The development includes a 21,759 sq m production building plus research & Development facilities, utilities, support infrastructure and parking bays for 44 heavy goods vehicles.

Danone said the project will create 230 new jobs, on a phased basis, bringing the total employment at the site to approximately 460 once completed and fully operational.

Located at Inchinashingane, on the outskirts of Macroom, Danone said the site is located in a rural greenbelt and high-value landscape. "From an economic perspective, the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan support the proposed expansion of the existing production capacity that will secure the sustainable development of the county and protect and promote employment opportunities in the region," the company said in its planning application.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, Danone confirmed it had lodged plans for the development on the site adjacent to its existing supply point in Macroom.

“The proposed development would produce medical nutrition solutions for patients, an identified need in Europe and globally, driven by ageing populations and the prevalence of chronic illness.

“This application is a sign of Danone’s long-term commitment to our operations in Ireland and would further enhance Macroom’s position within our global network. It will represent significant investment, creating high-value employment opportunities and supporting a significant number of jobs during construction.”

A planning decision on the Macroom development is expected by the end of June.

Globally, Danone operates across more than 120 countries with sales last year of more than €27bn. In Ireland, it also operates a major packaging facility in Wexford.