The Minister for Research & Innovation, Seán Sherlock TD, attended the opening of a new production facility in Arklow, as Gaines Europe Limited announced the creation of 15 jobs and the retention of 70 jobs.

Parent company Rondo Food has invested €6m in this new state of the art production facility, which will bring total employment to 85 by 2015, as the company proposes to double output and exports. The investment is supported by Enterprise Ireland.

Speaking at the official opening of the new production facility, Minister Sherlock said: “I commend Rondo Food for their commitment to the development of the Gaines Europe plant in Arklow. This has resulted in the very welcome retention of 70 jobs and the creation of 15 new jobs. A key part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is supporting Irish companies as they seek to gain a greater share of world export markets. This strategic and focussed investment and expansion plan by Rondo Food, and the continued support from Enterprise Ireland, gives Gaines Europe a platform from which to build the business and exploit new and exciting export opportunities, while sustaining and creating jobs in Ireland”. The Minister added: “I wish all the staff at Gaines Europe, and their parent company Rondo Food, continued success for the future.”

Dirk Wellen, CEO of Gaines Europe said: "When we acquired Gaines Europe in 2011, we obtained with it a well trained, hard working factory staff and an ambitious, effective management team who have made enormous improvements to the company's outputs in a short time. The company’s growth and development in Ireland has been a huge success story within the Rondo Food network and is testament to the commitment and skill of the workforce. We are committed to keeping the business and production of Gaines Pet Treats solely in Ireland. I would like to thank and acknowledge the invaluable support that we have received from Enterprise Ireland and from the local authorities in Arklow.”

Jenny Melia, Manager, Consumer Foods with Enterprise Ireland added:“Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with Rondo Food in supporting its strategic investment and development in Gaines Europe to drive continued international growth. This is a highly ambitious and innovative company and we look forward to continuing to work with and support Gaines Europe.”