Lakeland Dairies has announced a £24.5m (€32.8m) investment to expand dairy processing capacity at its Artigarvan facility in Northern Ireland, strengthening manufacturing capability as dairy processors seek greater efficiency, scale and export readiness in response to growing global demand.

Agriland reported that the investment will enhance cheese production infrastructure at the Tyrone-based site, increasing operational capacity while supporting long-term competitiveness across domestic and international dairy markets.

The project includes the installation of new production technology and facility upgrades designed to improve throughput, productivity and manufacturing performance. Dairy manufacturers are increasingly investing in automation and advanced processing systems to manage cost pressures, improve yield and meet changing customer requirements.

Lakeland Dairies said the expansion will support increased production of value-added dairy ingredients and strengthen the co-operative’s processing network in Northern Ireland. The company processes milk from thousands of farm families across the island of Ireland and exports products to more than 100 global markets.

Colin Kelly, group chief executive of Lakeland Dairies, said the investment represents a significant commitment to the company’s future manufacturing capability and reflects confidence in the long-term prospects of dairy processing in the region.

The expansion comes amid continued investment across food manufacturing as processors seek to modernise facilities and strengthen resilience against supply chain volatility, changing consumer demand and international market competition. High-value dairy production remains a strategically important manufacturing segment across Ireland, supported by export demand and continued investment in production efficiency.

The upgraded facility is expected to strengthen Lakeland Dairies’ manufacturing footprint while supporting future growth opportunities in premium dairy ingredients and export-led food production.

Read the full details on Lakeland Dairies’ £24.5m expansion investment in Northern Ireland.