Arrabawn co-op continues to develop its agri-trading division
The Nenagh, Co Tipperary group has announced a five-fold increase in operating profits in 2007, to €4.2 million.
There has been a sharp turnaround from profits of €836,000 in 2006, and a loss-making 2005.
At the Arrabawn annual general meeting, chief executive Conor Ryan said they will continue to work for greater efficiencies in all sectors during 2008, and agri-trading will be one of the growth areas on which they will focus.
He said a flagship 7,500 square foot agri-trading store at Newport is under construction, and it will include commercial and residential units. Re-development of the agri-trading and DIY centre at Birr with an increased product range has been completed.
It is planned to improve three or four more stores during 2008, to capitalise on the co-op’s locations in trading towns.
Development of an Arrabawn site in Nenagh is at the pre-planning stage, and it is intended to re-apply for planning for development of the centre at Tyone, Nenagh. Progress is also being made on developing sites at Borrisokane and at Athenry, Co Galway.
Chairman Patrick McLoughlin said Arrabawn has almost completed the first phase of a three-year processing plant modernisation, grant aided from the Governmnet’s Dairy Investment Fund.
Discussions are on-going in preparation for further streamlining of milk collection to reduce the number of trucks needed. Animal feed manufacture at Limerick and Thurles will continue.
* Former IFA President John Donnelly, who has retired from the Arrabawn board of management, together with Liam Walsh, who has also retired, accumulated almost 50 years as directors between them.
