Hilton Foods says plan for Drogheda expansion will add 60 jobs

If successful, the move will add 60 jobs to its 280-strong workforce in Ireland.

Last week, Hilton Foods submitted a planning application to Louth County Council seeking to extend the factory.

The group said in documents that there was an “urgent need for this expansion” due to increased orders placing “added pressure” on the facility.

Hilton Foods plans to increase its staff numbers by 60 from the current level of 280

“A timely planning permission will ensure the business can create additional storage capacity for the Christmas rush in 2024 with added production capacity coming online in 2025,” the planning statement said.

“Hilton Foods’ presence in Drogheda has had a significant impact on the local economy, providing jobs and supporting local suppliers.

“The company’s commitment to high standards in food processing and packaging has also set a benchmark in the industry, contributing to the overall quality and safety of meat products available.”

The planning statement added that, if successful, Hilton Foods planned to increase staff numbers by 60 from the current level of 280. The new staff will be employed in production.

The potential expansion in Drogheda comes two years after Hilton Foods announced it was going to cut a quarter of its workforce at the plant. At the time, it had decided to cut 77 jobs from the facility.

In April, the Sunday Independent reported that Hilton Foods was planning to invest in the Drogheda facility.

Hilton Foods revealed its Drogheda plans to investors during a call with analysts discussing the company’s results.

In response to a question on capital expenditure, chief financial officer Matt Osborne said the group had the opportunity to expand capacity in Ireland.

He said it needed the capacity to help support demand from Tesco and Dunnes.