ABP confirms more than 330 jobs at risk in Northern Ireland
© Tim Scrivener Major meat processor ABP has confirmed plans to “consolidate and reduce” the number of retail packing facilities it operates across the UK.
ABP has announced its intention to cease operations at its packing facility in Dungannon, County Tyrone, and launched a consultation with 338 jobs at risk.
However, its meat processing site, ABP Linden, which is also located in Dungannon, will not be impacted and will continue to take livestock, alongside ABP’s Lurgan and Newry sites in Northern Ireland.
A “challenging and changing UK and global marketplace for beef and lamb” has been cited by the processor as the reason behind the decision.
Farmers Weekly contacted representatives for the meat processor to query whether any other ABP sites were likely to cease existing operations or close as part of the plans to “consolidate”, however no further details have been provided by ABP at this time, due to the ongoing consultation process.
An ABP spokesman said: “Streamlining our operations is a necessity to achieve operational efficiencies, maintain our competitiveness and strengthen our business for the long term.
“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.”
Industry reaction
Following ABP’s announcement, the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) said it would engage with both ABP and the Northern Ireland government to ensure that farmers were not disadvantaged.
A UFU spokesperson said: “Our immediate thoughts are with the workers and families affected by this announcement, and we recognise the uncertainty this will create for those employed at the ABP Linden retail packing facility.
“ABP is a major employer and a key processor within NI’s beef and sheep sector, and any reduction in processing or packing capacity is a matter of serious concern.
“While we note ABP’s assurances that livestock processing at Linden, Lurgan and Newry will continue as normal, UFU will be seeking clarity on what this decision means in the longer term for NI farmers, market access and supply chain resilience.”