Pictured (l-r): Michael Cantwell, Manager Food Division, Enterprise Ireland, Michelle Walshe, Director, RibWorld and Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Enterprise Ireland supported Irish food company Ribworld is to create 100 new jobs as part of a new €8 million investment programme by the company.

The announcement was made today by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton at the official opening of Ribworld's new manufacturing facility at Fethard, Co Tipperary.

Recruitment for the new positions will get underway shortly, and this will bring employment levels at Ribworld, which is part of the M&M Walshe food group, to over 175 people over the next three years.

The strategic investment programme will position the company to invest in a major new product development drive and expand operational capacity, all aimed at meeting increasing demand for its products and expanding its market share across Europe and other international markets.

Making the announcement, Minister Bruton said: “Today’s announcement that Ribworld is investing in a major expansion of its operations in Fethard and creating 100 jobs is a great boost for Munster and a great example of what can be achieved by Irish food and manufacturing businesses across the country. I am delighted that my Department, through Enterprise Ireland, has been able to support Ribworld’s really impressive growth and I wish them every success for the future”.

Speaking at the expansion announcement John Walshe, Managing Director, Ribworld, said: "Over the past three years we have grown the business by over 200% and launched a number of new products. This new facility will allow Ribworld to continue to expand into new markets and develop a new range of products."

Welcoming the announcement Michael Cantwell, Enterprise Ireland's Manager of the Food Division, said: "The creation of 100 new jobs at Ribworld is a great boost for Tipperary. Their success underpins Ireland’s standing as a leader in the international food industry. Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with Ribworld in supporting its strategic investment and growth plans, and we look forward to continuing to support this ambitious company as they implement their exciting growth plans, sustaining and creating jobs in Ireland".