January 15, 2008

Hewitt Meats expands plant to boost EU meat exports

Hewitt Meats, based in Loughgall, Northern Ireland, invested GBP750,000 (US$1.5 million) to expand its processing plant, doubling its current workforce and boost exports around Europe.

Currently, half of the company's products is shipped outside Northern Ireland.

The expansion of Hewitt Meats, which would employ 28 more people, will be geared towards the development and marketing of a new red meat brand offering premium quality cuts.

James Hewitt, the managing director who founded the business in 1974, said that aside from developing new products for customers, the plant expansion would also raise Hewitt Meats' profile in regions outside Northern Ireland, where growth opportunities are expected to be strongest.

Invest Northern Ireland has provided GBP130,000 (US$254,000) for the development.

Maynard Mawhinney, director of its food division, said that their group is keen on assisting Hewitt Meats and other red meat companies to develop exports through EU markets specifically in the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and France.

Mawhinney futher disclosed that some Swedish meat buyers would visit Northern Ireland in April for a series of meetings with local producers.