Business

Dunbia: We have no plans to leave north

Multi-national meat company Dunbia employs more than 3,700 people across Britain and Ireland
Multi-national meat company Dunbia employs more than 3,700 people across Britain and Ireland Multi-national meat company Dunbia employs more than 3,700 people across Britain and Ireland

RED meat multinational Dunbia has dismissed a report that it was shifting its Northern Ireland operations to Britain due to concerns over Brexit.

The Co Tyrone firm issued a statement on Wednesday affirming its commitment to its 1,200 staff in the north.

Chief executive Jim Dobson said: “Dunbia has no plans to move its Northern Ireland operations to Great Britain.”

DUP leader and Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster welcomed the company’s statement.

“Dunbia is a major employer in my constituency with a supply chain supporting thousands of jobs. It is also a key employer in the Northern Ireland economy,” she said.

Founded in 1976 by brothers Jim and Jack Dobson, Dunbia started life as a red meat processor, primarily beef, but has now grown its reach across the wider meat industry.

It operates from sites across Britain and Ireland, employing more than 3,700 staff including 1,200 based at 10 sites in Northern Ireland.

The operation exports all over the world.

Last year the company, which has its main office in Dungannon, posted stellar trading figures, reporting a bottom-line profit of £5.5 million and an overall turnover of £787.5m,

In November the multi-national company sold its pork business in Ballymena to British firm Cranswick for £18m.