A new €130 million mozzarella cheese manufacturing facility is to be created in Portlaoise, Co Laois.

Glanbia Cheese, a joint venture between Glanbia and Leprino Foods, has revealed plans to build the new factory at Togher National Industrial Estate.

With a production capacity of 45,000 tons per annum, around 78 full time jobs will be created at the facility, with a further 250 jobs created during the construction phase.

Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, said: "This is a great day for Glanbia Cheese, Portlaoise and the Midlands region. The economic growth of our regions through the creation of sustainable jobs is a priority for Government, and I am delighted to see this level of investment and such a significant number of jobs being created here today - most certainly a welcome boost to the economy of Portlaoise.

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"Glanbia's continuous investment here shows their commitment and confidence in Ireland, our dairy excellence and our talented workforce. I congratulate Glanbia, Leprino Foods and Enterprise Ireland and look forward to their continued success here in Portlaoise."

Siobhán Talbot, Group Managing Director of Glanbia, said: "We are pleased to announce plans to build this new facility for Glanbia Cheese. Our partnership with Leprino Foods has been very successful for both partners to date and we are very positive about the potential of this new venture.

"We have worked closely with Enterprise Ireland on this project and are very appreciative of their support and commitment. We now look forward to moving the project on to its next phase."

If plans are approved, construction will start later this year with the new facility scheduled to begin production in 2020.

(LM)