IRELAND – Boortmalt, a global leader in the malting industry, has unveiled plans for a significant expansion of its Minch Malt production facility in Athy, County Kildare.
This multi-million-euro project will boost the plant’s production capacity by 20,000 metric tonnes (MT), enabling the company to better cater to rising customer demand for premium Irish malt products.
The expansion includes the installation of advanced malting equipment and enhanced processing capabilities, with construction set to begin this month and completion anticipated by late 2025.
Once completed, the facility’s total barley requirement will surpass 200,000MT annually, further integrating Irish-grown barley into global supply chains.
Minch Malt, a cornerstone of the Irish malting industry, already partners with local farmers to source over 180,000MT of malting barley annually.
This expansion is poised to deliver significant benefits for Irish agriculture by creating additional value for the barley crop, a key component of the country’s premium beverage exports, including whiskey and beer.
“Since 2020, we have focused on the successful integration of Cargill Malt into our operations globally,” said Yvan Schaepman, CEO of Boortmalt.
“As a group, we are now poised to grow further in strategic markets like Ireland. This expansion paves the way for subsequent ones and underscores our commitment to Irish suppliers and customers,” he added.
Stuart Sands, Managing Director of Boortmalt Ireland, emphasized the broader impact of the project.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter for Minch Malt. This expansion will not only increase our production capacity but also enhance operational efficiencies, helping us achieve our sustainability objectives.”
With 27 malting plants across five continents and an annual production capacity of 3.1 million tonnes, Boortmalt is a key supplier to brewers, distillers, and the food industry worldwide. The company’s Irish operations play a vital role in its portfolio, contributing to the production of high-quality malt sought after by global brands.
The announcement comes at a time of increasing global demand for premium malted products, fueled by the growth of craft brewing and distilling. Ireland, renowned for its high-quality barley and rich brewing and distilling heritage, is strategically positioned to meet this demand.
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