The European manufacturing headquarters of Australian healthcare firm Probiotec Limited is to be officially opened today by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD.
While the company currently employs 15 workers in the plant in Finnabair Industrial Park, Dundalk, Co Louth, that figure is set to double over the next 12 months and to increase to 70 within three years.
Probiotec, which established the plant in Dundalk in March with the support of Enterprise Ireland, manufactures the Celebrity Slim range of dietary replacement products for the European market. The products were launched in the Irish and UK markets in 2007.
“Probiotec’s investment is expected to create 70 new jobs and generate sales of over €30m over the next three years,” said O’Keeffe. “It reaffirms Ireland’s reputation for excellence in the food ingredient sector and as a leading location for strategic global investments.
“This is a highly strategic investment for Probiotec,” said the company’s group operations manager, Craig Lymn. “We have major growth ambitions to be a leading international provider of branded weight management and other speciality food products in the European market. On all fronts, Ireland and Dundalk are the ideal location for us to achieve these goals.”
Enterprise Ireland’s executive director, Julie Sinnamon, said Probiotec’s decision to locate in Ireland is hugely welcome. “Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for the food sector is focused on building export-focused innovative companies capable of achieving significant global reach.
“Probiotec’s presence here will enhance our international reputation as a centre of excellence in food and food ingredients. This is a really significant investment for the food sector in Ireland.”
