Rath expansion opened by Agri Minister
An expanded animal feed compounding mill opened yesterday (Thursday) by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney will allow south Offaly business J Grennan and Sons to almost double its annual throughput and as a result increase staff numbers in the future.
Representing an investment of €6m, the new mill at the Rath manufacturing facility was described by Minister Coveney at yesterday’s opening as “a very significant initiative for the farming and food sector in the midlands”.
J Grennan and Sons at Rath currently employs 70 people and has an annual throughput of some 100,000 metric tonnes.
With a fast growing customer base throughout the country, the company supplies a comprehensive range of compound feeds, fertilisers, crop packaging, seeds and agrochemicals.
The new plant will help to secure existing jobs, and will also facilitate the creation of higher employment levels in the future.
J Grennan and Sons has a history stretching back to 1878. Speaking at the official opening yesterday MD John Grennan said it was a historic day for the business.
“It represents the culmination of many years’ work and will give us a platform to build for the future,” he said.
“We are a customer driven company, and that means putting the needs of farmers first at all time,” Mr Grennan explained.
“There is every expectation that Irish agriculture and food is about to enter a period of sustained growth. In order to maximise these opportunities, farm businesses must become efficiency driven. Our recent investment programme has been undertaken to ensure that producers can achieve these objectives in the most cost effective way possible.”
Mr Grennan went on to confirm that the coming on stream of the new pelleting plant at Rath should open new opportunities for Grennan’s within the sector.
“We are totally committed to manufacturing rations of the highest quality, which is backed up by a comprehensive advisory and technical support service,” he explained.
Selected as the Offaly Person of the Year for 2012, John Grennan has been to the fore in driving forward the business over recent years.
A farmer himself, he is fully aware of the challenges facing the various agri sectors throughout Ireland and has structured the company to act as a genuine partner to its fast growing customer base.
“The growth that we have achieved over recent years reflects the total commitment of everyone working within the business,” he concluded.
“It really has been a team effort and I would like to thank everyone involved for the tremendous work they have put in. Agri food has a bright future, and J Grennan and Sons is keen to be at the very heart of these developments.”