Thurles firm Dew Valley Foods is to invest €21.8m in expanding its operation and create 55 new jobs  with the support of Enterprise Ireland.

Dew Valley Foods employ 160 people. It commenced production in 1984 and is claimed to be one of the largest cooked bacon manufacturers in Europe.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan T.D, with the rare honour of making a jobs announcement on behalf of an Irish-owned firm, said the investment will lead to the creation of 55 new "high value" jobs at the Thurles plant.

“I am delighted to announce an investment of €21.8m by Dew Valley Foods. The investment, with the support of Government from Enterprise Ireland, is an excellent endorsement of the company’s well placed confidence in its ability to compete internationally from its strategic base in Thurles," Coughlan said. “The food sector is a key industry in Ireland and Dew Valley is an excellent example of the type of innovative high-value added food companies that Enterprise Ireland is keen to support. This significant investment encompasses all the elements of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for Irish businesses; it will enable international growth through innovation and enhances key employee skills and leadership capabilities."

Jack Blake, Managing Director of Dew Valley added:

“Through innovation, Dew Valley has become the leading cooked bacon supplier in Europe. With this multi-million euro investment we aim to increase our competitiveness in our modern high-tech facility and establish a new Cooked Bacon Research Centre. This research centre will allow Dew Valley to further innovate and develop new higher-value added cooked bacon products. In partnership with our customers we aim to enhance our  leadership role.”