H.J. Heinz Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., announced plans to sell its frozen ready meals site in Dundalk, Ireland, to The Authentic Food Co., UK.

The proposed deal includes a 3-year co-pack arrangement for The Authentic Food Co. to continue manufacturing Weight Watchers from Heinz, Ross and Heinz Big frozen ready meals for Heinz.

As part of the co-pack agreement, Heinz plans to work closely with The Authentic Food Co. to further develop the Weight Watchers from Heinz range, in addition to reviewing future opportunities for Heinz in frozen. The Authentic Food Co. also plans the continued expansion of its retail and foodservice business both in the UK and Continental Europe.

The proposed sale offers a positive future for the factory and for the 155 people employed at the site, which first opened in 1993.