07 February 2012
First Minister Peter Robinson praised Willowbrook Foods in Killinchy for its “outstanding achievements” in markets outside Northern Ireland.
EXPORT FOCUS AT WILLOWBROOK FOODS PRAISED BY FIRST MINISTER
First Minister Peter Robinson praised Willowbrook Foods in Killinchy for its “outstanding achievements” in markets outside Northern Ireland.
Mr Robinson was speaking at the official opening of the Company's new £5.5 million factory which processes salad bags, convenience products, wet salads, prepared vegetables and stir fry products for leading retailers and foodservice clients particularly in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
Mr Robinson said: “Willowbrook Foods is a shining example of the export-focused, added value-led and entrepreneurial business which the Northern Ireland Executive is keen to showcase and encourage as part of our strategic focus in the draft Programme for Government on exports and market-led innovation as crucially important drivers of economic growth.
“Over the next four years, we hope to see a 15 per cent growth in exports and look to ambitious and progressive companies such as Willowbrook Foods to continue to pursue business opportunities outside Northern Ireland for both existing and especially new added-value products sourced in Northern Ireland for sale at a premium abroad.
“Our food industry, currently generating more than £3.7 billion annually for the local economy, £2.7 billion of which is sold outside Northern Ireland, continues to grow through its sharp focus on exports and innovative products.
“As an economy we are heavily reliant on our small and medium sized companies, many of whom are in the food sector and we believe that companies such as Willowbrook through their willingness to invest in their business and as a consequence the region, have an important part to play in generating the increased sales which contribute to a healthier and wealthier economy.
“Indeed their creation of many new jobs over the past number of years will bring significant benefits to the regional economy.”
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