Tirlán Announces Urgent €126 Million Investment in Whey Facilities

UPDATE: Tirlán, Ireland’s leading dairy processor, has just announced a groundbreaking investment of €126 million in a cutting-edge whey processing facility at its Ballyragget site in Kilkenny. This urgent development marks a pivotal moment for Tirlán, enhancing its capabilities in producing high-value whey protein products amid the surging global demand for nutritional ingredients.

The new state-of-the-art facility is set to focus on creating an advanced portfolio of nutritional whey products, including the increasingly popular clear whey protein, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Once operational, expected by mid-2027, this facility will significantly boost Tirlán’s processing capacity and flexibility, allowing the company to lead the charge in innovative whey-based solutions.

This announcement was made at a recent event attended by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, who emphasized the investment’s importance to both Tirlán and the Irish dairy sector. “Today marks another milestone in the proud history of Tirlán,” said Minister Heydon. “This multi-million-euro investment represents not just a commitment to Tirlán’s future, but to the Irish dairy industry as a whole.”

The facility is designed with sustainability in mind, being water neutral and carbon efficient, further underscoring Tirlán’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The investment is a clear indication of Tirlán’s strategy to move up the value chain, enhancing its role in the international market for sports nutrition, lifestyle products, and medical nutrition.

Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy stated, “The €126 million investment is a real vote of confidence in the Irish dairy sector and the world-class team here in Ballyragget. This is our largest value-add investment ever—a bold step forward in our journey to create sustainable opportunities in whey protein nutrition.”

Seán Molloy, Tirlán’s Chief Executive, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the investment will diversify Tirlán’s product mix and keep the company competitive in a rapidly evolving market. He highlighted the critical role of the R&D program at Tirlán’s Innovation Centre, noting, “Every product is driven by consumer insights and R&D excellence, ensuring relevance and impact.”

The impact of this investment extends beyond Tirlán itself. In 2022, Tirlán and its 100% farmer-owned co-operative network generated an impressive €5.5 billion in economic activity, supporting over 19,200 direct and indirect jobs across rural Ireland. With more than €2 billion paid to over 5,000 farm families, the investment not only fortifies Tirlán’s future but also reinforces the vital role of agriculture in driving the rural economy.

As Tirlán sets its sights on global leadership in whey protein nutrition, all eyes will be on this ambitious project and its potential to reshape the landscape of the dairy industry. The community, stakeholders, and consumers alike are eager to see how this investment will unfold and contribute to sustainable growth in the coming years.

Stay tuned for further updates as Tirlán embarks on this transformative journey.