An Taoiseach opens new Glenisk Manufacturing Facility

Well, the red (or should that be green?) carpet came rolling down recently at Glenisk. We were honoured to have An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, T.D., attend the offical opening of our new much-improved eco-friendly manufacturing facility in Killeigh, Co Offaly on Monday, 7 July.

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen is pictured cutting the ribbon with three generations of the Cleary Family: From left, Mrs Mary Cleary, Jack Cleary (aged four), Gerard Cleary, Brian Cleary and Mark Cleary.

We have spent €8.5 million redeveloping the plant to improve our capacity to make more yogurt and better yogurt and so far, the proof is in the eating. It tastes pretty good to us and our team of eager tasters. And mindful as ever of our carbon footprint, we've been doing our bit for the enviroment at the new plant, using sustainable materials where we can in the build. We are currently powered using Airtricity although we're also looking into the possibility of setting up our very own wind turbines but that may be some time in the future. And our vehicles have now been converted to biodiesel.

The Taoiseach was joined on the day by fellow TDs, John Moloney and Charlie Flanagan, by Senator Pat Moylan and by Barry Cowen, chairman, Offaly County Council. We were also delighted to have some of our farmers along including Roy McCracken from Co. Tyrone, Batt Sheehan from Cork and our goat farmers Jan and Monique Boons from Tipperary. We were also joined on the day by Aidan Cotter, chief executive, Bord Bia and by Eoin and Evan Doyle, the brothers behind the hugely successful BrookLodge, Macreddin and Peter Young, who with his wife Jenny runs the wonderful Castlefarm Shop in Athy.

The Taoiseach had many nice things to say about Glenisk including the following:

"Glenisk was an early pioneer of organic food. Their pioneering zeal is clearly as strong today as the An Taoiseach with Vincent Cleary, Gleniskday they first got started in the business. It shows in all sorts of ways. In their appetite for new products. In their interest in developing partnerships with like-minded organisations. In their proactive promotion of the benefits of organic food. And in their constant search for ways of reducing the environmental impact of their operation. I do not think anyone could doubt the continuing strength of Glenisk's passion for organics - and for good food."

An Taoiseach is pictured with Vincent Cleary from Glenisk at the offical opening.

Well, he hit the nail on the head there! If there are two things we're passionate about, it's organics and good food.