Ready meals firm still recruiting after 10 years in operation

Sarah Saunderson • Published 12 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Staff in the Oasis Restaurant at Kerry Foods (from left) Nanette Evans, Lynn Cosgrove and Elaine Ballantine.<

Kerry Foods in Enniskillen is still recruiting new staff during these tough economic times as it celebrates 10 years producing chilled and frozen foods in Carran Business Park.

“We have already expanded this year to take on an additional shift in January and a few more positions. There are over 20 new starters this year and we are on the look-out for more engineers,” commented HR Manager Catherine Sloan.

Tomorrow, Friday, August 13 staff are celebrating the 10-year anniversary with 27 employees with 10 years’ service as guests of honour.

The Enniskillen factory was built at a cost of £15 million in 2000 and is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility occupying 60,000 square feet. Officially opened in October 2000 by Golden Vale, it became part of the Kerry Group in 2001. Further investment in 2005 of £7 million allowed the site to focus on the manufacture of premium cooked offerings for the branded sector. The site was redesigned and extended for the manufacture of Mr. Brains Faggots, Walls Micros and Mattessons Fridge Raiders.

There was further investment in 2008 of £3 million and due to continued success more than 200 people are employed, who manufacture 200 tonnes of cooked ready meals and snacks each week.

Declan McKee, Operations Manager, said: “Kerry Foods, Enniskillen is proud to have been serving our community with top quality chilled and frozen food for the last 10 years. We currently have over 200 people on site and 27 of us have been here from 2000. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them and publicly recognise the great contribution they have made to this successful business.

“The people here are what makes this company special. They are the reason that even through these difficult economic times we are growing and able to recruit even more people into the business. Being part of highly successful multi-national company demands high standards from everyone and the quality of the people here in Enniskillen, and the surrounding areas, is unsurpassed. We hope to build on these great qualities and continue to grow our business with their support.”

Anita McClelland, Quality Assurance, said: “All in all it’s a great place to work. The people you work with are great and the company are very supportive. It’s great to see everyone’s hard work and dedication being recognised. It’s not often you see a big company say thank you in such a public way. It means a lot to me and to the other 10 year service people.”

Mark Breen, Line Leader, wjho also has 10 years’ service said: “I like the challenge of working here. The site has changed a lot since it opened. The business is always looking to do better. The people here are great, you can always have a laugh with them.” Paul McDonough, Stores Supervisor, said: “The atmosphere here is great. There’s a real desire to do things better and that brings a lot of challenges. It’s that challenge that keeps it interesting. Everyone here is proud to be part of a successful business bringing employment to this area especially during these difficult times.”

Lil Oliver, Restaurant Supervisor said: “I’ve always liked the variety, no two days are the same. In my job you get to see so many different people and it’s the people that make the place enjoyable.” Mary Quigley, Restaurant Team Member, commented: “Even when the pressure’s on, everyone has a bit of craic, it’s what keeps you going.”

Geraldine McGrory, Production Team Member, said: “I enjoy the people. We work well as a team, we’re busy mind, but we’re still able to have a bit of fun.”

Factory work also includes working shifts and Ms. McGrory said: ““I like the hours they suit me, I enjoy the early start and being able to get away at 2.30pm.”

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Aug 10

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