Linden Foods scoop best manufacturer in Mid Ulster Awards
Linden Foods scoop best manufacturer in Mid Ulster Awards
Linden Foods, one of the UK’s leading fresh meat processors is celebrating after winning Best Manufacturer at last week’s Mid Ulster Business Awards held in Cookstown, Northern Ireland.
Allistair Cooke presents Best Manufacturer Award to Miles Macpherson, Linden Foods General Manager.
The Dungannon-based company was also highly commended in the Environmental Business Category for its dedicated sustainability programme GreenTrack.
Launched in 2011, the Mid Ulster Business awards aim to recognise the talent, entrepreneurship and excellence that exists across the full range of business and commerce in the area. Continuing from previous awards, the theme for this year was building towards the future.
Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill who attended the gala ceremony described the awards as a fantastic showcase of the diverse range of businesses, both small and large, in Mid Ulster and a celebration of what the region has to offer. Adding that she felt an immense sense of pride in the businesses from in her native Mid Ulster, Minister O’Neill commended the winners and those shortlisted on their great achievements throughout the year. She hailed the agri-food sector, in particular, as the shining light in Northern Ireland.
Linden Foods was recognised in the Best Manufacturer category for the growth it has enjoyed over the past year which the judges said clearly demonstrates the innovation present in the business, ensuring it stands out from its competitors.
The environmental category assessed Linden Foods’ environmental policies and their positive impact on the company and staff in terms of sustainable business practices and educational initiatives.
Commenting on their success, Gerry Maguire, managing director, Linden Foods said: “To receive an accolade for Best Manufacturer reflects the huge passion we have for our business. We are committed to providing our customers with a range of innovative and exciting new products that are well ahead of current trends within the food retailing sector. The phenomenal growth we have experienced as a business in recent years is testament to this approach and gives as a platform for further development.”
“We launched GreenTrack, our dedicated environmental initiative earlier this year. It set out our commitment to deliver on responsible and sustainable business practices so we’re delighted to be recognized for the investment we have made here and the tremendous progress we have made in this area.”
In May of this year, Linden Foods together with Minister Arlene Foster announced a £5 million investment in its Dungannon plant creating 179 jobs within the production and management divisions of company. Generating over £2.5 million annually in additional salaries, Linden Foods’ expansion has been a notable boost to the local area and wider Northern Ireland economy.
Linden Foods employs over 900 people and is one of the UK’s leading processors of beef, lamb and rosé veal products. Customers include retailers and companies within the catering trade throughout the UK and Ireland, such as, Marks & Spencer and Lidl and Morrisons.
