Ornua expanding German site to meet demand

Ornua is expanding its German production facility in Neukirchen-Vluyn, Düsseldorf for the third time, to meet growing demand for Kerrygold products in the region.

Germany is a core market for Kerrygold: Since it was launched in Germany in 1973, the brand has grown steadily. 

Kerrygold is the number one butter brand in Germany, and is the brand leader for butter, spreads and cheese. Ornua recently launched Kerrygold yogurts in the German market.

The third expansion, which will cost €10m ($10.89m) and take around a year to complete, brings the Irish dairy company’s total investment at the site to €50m ($54m), as Ornua Deutschland GMBH invests in expanded production and storage facilities, in addition to developing enhanced office space. 

Over the past two years, employment at the Neukirchen-Vluyn site has increased from 120 to 160.  The new extension of the site will lead to the creation of additional jobs. 

Increased manufacturing capacity

Kevin Lane, CEO, Ornua said, this year, Kerrygold in Germany will again deliver double-digit growth. 

In the last two years, Ornua has grown manufacturing capacity in China, Germany, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the US and the UK. 

Most recently, Ornua opened Kerrygold Park, in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, the new global home for Kerrygold.  Currently, Kerrygold sales retail at around €750m ($817m), with targets to grow to €1bn ($1.08bn).