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Robinson inspects the green shoots of regeneration in Killinchy

First Minister, Rt. Hon Peter D. Robinson MLA, has officially opened Willowbrook Foods Ltd new £5.5million factory in Killinchy.
~ Friday, 3 February 2012

The company produces fresh, pre packed vegetables, salads and mash products and employs more than 160 people. The factory, which includes a novel innovation centre, is the culmination of an expansion programme that began in 2009 and is expected to create 25 new jobs.

Welcoming the expansion Mr Robinson said: “Stimulating the economy is a key driver in the Executive's programme of regeneration and it is for this reason that we have taken the important step of making wealth creation a top priority in the draft Programme for Government.

"The agri-food sector is of vital importance to the Northern Ireland economy and this new factory is indicative of Willowbrook’s determination to enhance its competitive advantage in the marketplace. It represents the sort of private sector growth that is necessary to rebalance our economy and I congratulate them on their success.”

The First Minister met John McCann, Managing Director of Willowbrook Foods and toured the new 44,000sq ft factory.

Mr McCann said: “This factory more than doubles the company’s production capacity and is enabling us to meet the growing demand from key customers for our existing range of products. It is enabling us to build on the success we have achieved in selling 85% of our products to customers outside Northern Ireland.

“The Innovation Centre and the new factory together enable us to respond quickly and flexibly to market opportunities for new products. Our success to date has been based on the close working relationships that we have developed with customers and our ability to respond nimbly to opportunities arising from the demands of consumers.”

Notes to editors:

  1. Willowbrook Foods Ltd has sites in both Newtownards and Killinchy and has a turnover in the region of £10million.
  2. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8119. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pages number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.