McIlveen visits Dunbia facility in Dungannon

DAERA Minister, Michelle McIlveen, visited Dunbia’s Dungannon facility where she met with Group Executives to discuss challenges facing the processing sector.

The Minister also had an opportunity to tour Dunbia’s primary and retail facilities, accompanied by Mr Jim Dobson OBE, Group Chief Executive, Mr Jack Dobson, Group Executive Director and Mr Tony O’Neill, Deputy Chief Executive.

Speaking after her visit Minister McIlveen said: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Jim and Jack Dobson, along with their staff, and view their world class facilities here in Dungannon.

“Dunbia is one of the key stakeholders in the NI agri-food industry and my visit provided me with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the processing sector and to see at first hand the breadth and scale of operations in this business.”

The Minister added: “Speaking with the Dunbia Executives and staff, I got a real sense of the pride they have in their many achievements and I am pleased to hear of their ambitious expansion plans for the Dungannon site. I welcome their commitment to working across the supply chain and to seeking new export markets which will no doubt have a positive impact on reaching the Going for Growth targets. 

“I also had the opportunity to speak with DAERA veterinary staff and view the Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) in operation at the plant, providing the crucial traceability for our livestock which is so important as we seek new trading partners across the globe for our agri-food products. I look forward to the implementation of its successor, the NI Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS), to maintain and enhance our world-leading traceability going forward.” 

The Minister concluded: “I congratulate Dunbia on their track record for excellence and innovation to date and I look forward to their continued success as they move forward with their growth plans.” 

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption - Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen visited Dunbia's retail and processing facilities in Dungannon, Co Tyrone where she met with Group Executives to discuss the processing sector. Pictured (from left to right) are; Mr Jack Dobson, Dunbia Group Executive Director, Mr Tony O'Neill, Deputy Chief Executive, DAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen and Mr Jim Dobson OBE, Dunbia Group Chief Executive.

2. All media queries and requests for pictures should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

3. Follow the Department on Twitter @daera_ni. 

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