Bandon Co-op unveils plans to create 50 jobs
The West cork co-op now employs a total staff of 250 across its three divisions, having created 40 jobs over the past two years. The new jobs relate to the co-op’s plans to increase supply in the coming years.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney yesterday visited the co-op’s newly acquired feed mill in Kinsale. He welcomed the dairy co-op’s willingness to explore new avenues to grow its business and add to its contribution to the local and regional economy.
“Bandon Co-op has a very long and proud tradition in West Cork,” he said. “Founded in 1903, it was one of the first co-ops to be established in the region and it has grown to become a very vibrant organisation with three very successful business units — the agri, retail and the products divisions.
“Bandon Co-op’s 255 milk suppliers have ambitious plans for future milk expansion and I’m encouraged to see the support base being put in place by Bandon co-op’s board and management team in order to take full advantage of the post quota expansion.”
Mr Coveney praised the co-op’s acquisition of the animal feed mill, along with its grain drying facilities and extensive grain and feed ingredients storage facilities.
He said: “With this acquisition, Bandon Co-op now purchases in excess of 15,000 tonnes from local grain growers and plans are in place to make additional investments to further improve sustainability for customers and the environment.”
Bandon Co-op has also acquired a stevedoring license. This new venture coincides with Cork County Council’s investment of €1.1m in Kinsale Pier.
