Retail packing factory to be closed at ABP Dungannon facility
Over 300 jobs could be at risk following the announcement that ABP is to close its retail packing facility at Dungannon.
Part of the Linden Foods business that was acquired by the company in 2021, the retail packing factory had operated previously as a joint venture between ABP and Fane Valley.
Following the announcement, a spokesperson for ABP said the company “continually reviews its processing footprint to ensure that it has the most efficient operational model aligned to trading conditions and market trends”.
In a statement in which they described the move as a “very difficult step”, ABP said that “changes in the UK landscape have led to the difficult but necessary requirement to consolidate and reduce the number of our retail packing facilities situated within the UK including Northern Ireland”.
“Regrettably therefore it is our intention to cease retail packing at our ABP Linden retail packing facility based at Granville Industrial Estate in Dungannon,” read the statement.
“As a consequence, we have entered into a formal consultation process with 338 colleagues whose jobs are at risk. We will seek to minimise the impact on those who are affected. This would include redeployment where possible.
“ABP Linden continues to receive and process cattle and sheep as usual and the jobs at this separate facility, also located within Granville Industrial Estate in Dungannon, are not impacted. ABP’s Lurgan and Newry sites are not impacted and continue to operate and receive livestock as usual. Kettyle Irish Foods in Lisnaskea is also not impacted.”
‘The agri-food sector is absolutely vital to our local economy and to Northern Ireland as a whole’
A spokesperson for ABP added: “This has been a very difficult step. But we are facing a challenging and changing UK and global marketplace for beef and lamb. Streamlining our operations is a necessity to achieve operational efficiencies, maintain our competitiveness and strengthen our business for the long term.
“We are providing support to all colleagues at risk of redundancy within the ABP Linden retail packing facility. This will include exploring opportunities for redeployment or relocation. ABP UK remains committed to Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector.
“We continue to focus on developing future opportunities for the sale of Northern Irish beef and lamb within the UK and further afield. Our long-standing procurement partnerships with Northern Irish farmer suppliers is supported by continued investment in the future sustainability of beef and lamb production in Northern Ireland.”
There has been widespread reaction to the news, with many political and community representatives voicing their shock and disappointment at the announcement.
Mid-Ulster Councillor Karol McQuade said his thoughts were with the affected staff and their families and called the news “really concerning”.
“This is a major employer in this area and job losses on this scale will have a massive impact,” he said.
MLA Diana Armstrong said that she was “deeply concerned” and called on the Economy Minister to urgently engage with ABP Foods, trade unions and relevant agencies “to ensure that all available support is put in place without delay”.
“The agri-food sector is absolutely vital to our local economy and to Northern Ireland as a whole,” she said. “It is therefore essential that those affected by this decision receive immediate and practical support.
“This must include access to emergency assistance, retraining opportunities, and clear pathways into alternative employment where possible.”
