Retailer's €90m meat deal will secure 250 jobs
Some 130 jobs are in place at the plant, tailored to the business needs of MSVC. A further 70 jobs will added in January.
MSVC, with headquarters at Tramore Road, Cork, services over 500 independently-owned SuperValu and Centra supermarkets. The plant will include an on-site laboratory and training facilities and will be open to undergraduate training.
It was selected as the retailers' primary beef supplier on account of its guaranteed Irish supply and outstanding record in supply and processing, food safety and animal welfare.
A beef traceability scheme has also been developed by Kepak Group and MSVC that provides instant traceability on freshly cut beef, electronically at the butcher's counter.
In 2003, MSVC will record over €70 million retail sales of fresh Irish beef products, all processed in Watergrasshill facility. Kepak also supplies some of the company's lamb, through Watergrasshill and Hacketstown.
MSVC only buys 100% Irish beef and lamb, and is in the process of establishing exclusive supply partnerships with major Irish processors in all fresh food categories.
Managing director Michael Nason said the commitment to Irish produce has always been part of the Musgrave policy, although growing competition from imports has led to the group developing more market-focussed strategies with its supplier partners.
"We know that SuperValu and Centra shoppers prefer Irish products, and this has intensified following controversy over the quality of some imports, and also the pressure on Irish jobs.
Mr Nason said centralising SuperValu and Centra's meat supply will increase efficiency, allow complete traceability, and ensure consistent quality.
Price, promotional offers, availability and product range will also improve for consumers.
Kepak procures raw material from over 10,000 meat producers throughout Ireland and, at 250,000 cattle per annum, represents 15% of the total kill in the Republic. It supplies 9,000 tonnes of beef per year to MSVC.
