Ireland-based Ballymaguire Foods will create 100 new jobs when it opens its new state-of-the-art frozen ready meals production plant in nine months. The new jobs include graduate positions in sales and marketing, food scientists and technicians, R&D, new product development, chefs and general operatives, with an additional 100 jobs in the construction of the new food plant.

Founded in 2008, Ballymaguire Foods, part of the Country Crest Group, is said to be the largest chilled ready meals producer in the Republic of Ireland. The initial focus is on bespoke food and meal products with inherent ‘Irishness’ coming from 100% traceable top-quality ingredients.

“This is a really exciting time for Ballymaguire Foods, as we reach a landmark in our growth and development with strong plans and targets now in place to expand production over the next five years,” says Ed Spelman, managing director. “Our production capability will now grow to over 500,000 meals per week, and this will mainly be used to fuel the opportunities we see in the UK and add to our existing business there. We managed to buck the trend during the recession, as we used it to find new opportunities and successfully grow. We are now backing ourselves with this new investment, which will help us continue to improve and innovate new food products. Our Irish suppliers will also benefit in the future, as all ingredients, where possible, are sourced on the island of Ireland.”